What Are The Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where a person does not breathe consistently during sleep. Because sleep apnea can be a sign of an underlying health problem and the cause of serious health conditions, it’s imperative to seek help from your dentist in Alabaster, AL, as an early diagnosis is key to recovery success. You and your loved ones and/or sleep partner should be aware of sleep apnea symptoms. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

Fatigue

Sleep apnea interrupts the cycle of sleep, where your body gets deep rest. This results in persistent fatigue after waking, even when you think you got a full night’s sleep. You may feel groggy, sluggish, or have a headache throughout the day.

Startling Awake

Since the airway isn’t pushing oxygen through, you may startle awake with the sensation that you can’t breathe. In fact, this is your body’s response to oxygen deprivation. Upon waking, it may take you several seconds to catch your breath.

Loud, Disruptive Snoring

Air vibration causes this as it flows over soft tissue in the throat. A throat obstruction may actually cause sleep apnea or at least contribute to it. Your Alabaster, AL dentist can perform an exam to see if any obstruction is visible.

Cessation of Breathing

Sometimes a sleep partner is the first to detect that sleep apnea may occur. A person with sleep apnea may be breathing deeply, suddenly stopping for a few seconds, and then starting up again. This is a classic symptom of sleep apnea and means you should seek professional help earlier rather than later.

Treatment For Sleep Apnea

Treatment for sleep apnea in Alabaster, AL, is available from your dentist at Albritton & Ardovino. Contact us today to learn about how we diagnose and treat this serious condition.