Sleep Apnea Warning Signs and Treatment Options
Sleep apnea is a very common sleeping disorder that affects 22 million Americans every year, but it is estimated that about 80% of cases remain undiagnosed. This is a condition where a person’s breathing stops and starts randomly while they are asleep. People with this condition snore louder than usual and also complain of feeling tired even after sleeping the whole night. It is very important to know the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to identify the condition and to get medical help.
- Heavy snoring
One of the most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is heavy snoring. While many people do snore when they are tired or when their nose is blocked, people with sleep apnea snore excessively and make it impossible for others in the room to sleep. As breathing stops abruptly, the person starts inhaling and exhaling through the mouth, leading to snoring. - Waking up with a dry throat
Another common sign and symptom of sleep apnea is a dry or painful throat when you wake up in the morning. Since people with this condition spend the majority of the night breathing through their mouth, the throat gets painful and dry the next morning. - Waking up gasping for air
When you suddenly stop breathing, the body starts choking and gasping and in the process, you wake up from your sleep. If you find yourself getting up in alarm trying to gulp in air, then you might have just experienced a pause in your breathing. - Constant morning headaches
Since people with sleep apnea never get complete rest at night, they usually complain of a headache in the morning that sometimes lasts all through the day. This is a common sign and symptom of sleep apnea for which patients should approach their doctors. - Morning tiredness
Feeling sleepy in the morning even after you have had 7-8 hours of sleep at night is another sign of the condition. - Morning irritability
This is also a logical symptom of having a bad night’s sleep. If you feel irritable and angry in the morning for no obvious reason, do check your sleep pattern at night.
What are the treatment options for sleep apnea?
The common treatment options for sleep apnea include assistive tools and surgery. Dental appliance tools help correct the position of the lower jaw and the tongue while there are Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices (CPAP) are masks to keep your airways open. You can also opt for corrective surgery to remove tissues that block the airway. Certain lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake and losing weight can also make a significant difference and help you breathe normally at night.
These signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and the treatment options for it will give you a clear idea of the condition. Talk to your partner to know how well you sleep at night and check with your doctor if you have these above-mentioned signs.