19 Sep 5 Signs You May Be Suffering From Obstructive Sleep Apnea
What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the inability to oxygenate properly during sleep due to obstruction. This obstruction occurs when the tongue falls back against the back of the throat, blocking the upper airway, and stopping airflow. Obstructive sleep apnea affects millions of Americans. When left untreated, it may lead to severe medical problems including high blood pressure and heart disease.
What Are The Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Chronic, Loud Snoring
One of the most common problems associated with obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. Just because you snore does not necessarily mean you have obstructive sleep apnea. However, almost everyone with sleep apnea snores. Snoring in obstructive sleep apnea patients is often chronic and loud enough to wake up a bed partner. If you snore loudly and frequently you may want to consult a doctor.
Interruption in Breath Followed by Gasping for Air
Patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea experience a blockage of the upper airway. The result is a cessation of breath often followed by a gasping for air. In many cases, the patient may go right back to sleep without being aware of the episode. Like snoring, this issue is normally observed by a bed partner or family member. In severe cases, stoppage of breathing may occur hundreds of time each night.
Excessive Sleepiness
Frequent stoppage of breath and decreased levels of oxygen are common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea that can lead to a very restless night of sleep. As such, if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea you may wake up feeling unrested and experience extreme tiredness during the day. This can further lead to feelings of irritability and an inability to focus or concentrate.
Dry Mouth and Sore Throat
Most people who have obstructive sleep apnea sleep with their mouth open. As a result, they may wake up in the morning experiencing severe dry mouth or sore throat. While these symptoms could be related to other conditions they are common problems shared by those with obstructive sleep apnea.
Morning Headaches
Headaches can be caused by a variety of things, one of which is lack of sleep. As such, if you have obstructive sleep apnea you may notice that you are frequently waking up in the morning with a headache.
The best way to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea is to do a sleep study. If you suffer from any or all of the symptoms above it may be best to consult a doctor.
Get back to a normalized sleep routine. Contact Dr. Duraini today to discuss your symptoms and possible treatment options.
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