How To Recognize Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea In Adults

Sleep apnea can affect your sleep, energy, and overall health, yet many adults don’t realize they have it. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and start throughout the night.

Common Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea

Many symptoms occur while you’re asleep, so you may not notice them yourself. A partner or family member may be the first person to recognize that something is wrong.

Common signs of sleep apnea include:

• Loud or frequent snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Gasping or choking during the night
• Waking up frequently
• Dry mouth when you wake up
• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating or staying alert

Why Sleep Apnea Can Be Easy To Miss

Snoring doesn’t always mean you have sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores loudly. You may also become accustomed to feeling tired and consider it a normal part of your daily routine.

If your partner mentions that you stop breathing, gasp, or choke during sleep, pay attention. These can be important signs that your breathing is being interrupted during the night.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your dentist may notice certain signs or risk factors associated with obstructive sleep apnea during a routine dental examination. We can also discuss symptoms you or your partner have noticed.

If sleep apnea is suspected, a medical or sleep professional can perform the appropriate evaluation. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include positive airway pressure therapy, lifestyle changes, an oral appliance, or other options recommended by your healthcare team.

An oral appliance can help some adults with obstructive sleep apnea by helping keep the airway open during sleep. Whether it’s appropriate depends on your individual diagnosis and needs.

Take The Warning Signs Seriously

If you’ve been told you regularly snore, wake up gasping, or feel unusually tired during the day, don’t ignore the symptoms. Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea can help you take the next step toward better sleep and improved overall health.

Contact Dr. John Aylmer at 954-204-3382 to schedule an appointment at Snoring and Sleep Apnea Solutions in Weston, FL 33326.