5 Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

5 Common Signs of Sleep Apnea

Does your partner punch you in the middle of the night to stop you from snoring, only to eventually shove you out of the bed and onto the couch? Do you regularly wakeup with a headache and have difficulty functioning throughout the day without caffeine? Are you tired of feeling tired?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be one of the other 40 million people in the US who have a serious sleep and breathing disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). You may be wondering why a dental office would be writing about sleep apnea. While a sleep specialist must medically diagnose this disorder, many of the side effects of OSA affect the oral health and can be easily detected by a dental professional.

San Diego sleep apnea dentist Dr. David Eshom can provide the necessary treatment to improve your sleep and health. To schedule your consultation, please call (858) 455-9151 or simply contact us online. Knowing what some of the common signs are can help educate you on how to prevent this disorder from becoming a problematic issue. Continue reading to learn the five most common signs of sleep apnea.

Excessive Snoring

Snoring is not uncommon for certain individuals, especially those who sleep on their backs or battle seasonal allergies. However, the snoring associated with sleep apnea is loud and excessive, and generally requires partners to wear earplugs or sleep in another room.

Obstructed Breathing

During OSA, the throat muscles in the back of the throat over relax and block air from passing through continuously, resulting in heavy snoring and pauses in breathing that can last up to a few minutes at a time. Some people stop breathing hundreds of times a night. Many are unaware this is happening until a loved one notices.

Chronic Fatigue and Other Medical Conditions

Science has proven that lack of sleep can have a negative affect on the body and result in a host of medical issues. Sleep is necessary for your body to function properly. Because OSA keeps individuals from sleeping continuously throughout the night, they are at higher risk of suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes, anxiety and depression, and obesity. People with sleep deprivation may also encounter car accidents or on the job injuries due to slow reaction times. If you require endless amounts of coffee and energy drinks just to survive through your workday, it is highly possible you are battling sleep apnea.

Irritability and Teeth Grinding

When children get off their sleep schedule or miss their naps, this usually results in irritability and temper tantrums. Lack of sleep can affect adults in much of the same way, resulting in moodiness, heightened anxiety, and less patience. People who suffer from anxiety and irritability may also unknowingly grind their teeth or clench their jaw, especially during traffic and stressful moments at home or work. Prolonged teeth grinding and jaw clenching can permanently damage your back molars and cause TMJ disorder.

Improve Your Sleep and Oral Health

Don’t let sleep apnea keep you from getting the sleep you so desperately need. By treating it quickly and effectively with a customized oral appliance, you can improve your quality of sleep and prevent oral and physical health issues from occurring. If you are interested in learning more about sleep apnea oral appliances, please contact our office online or call (858) 455-9151 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Eshom.