Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent condition that forces the airways to get clogged or collapse during sleep. This condition causes you to experience brief, momentary pauses in breathing that last for about 20-30 seconds throughout the night. Unmanaged apnea could raise the likelihood of various disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and certain headache syndromes. However, many persons with sleep apnea are unaware of their condition; thus, it often goes untreated. Here is five warning signs Carthay sleep apnea specialist Dr. David Shouhed suggests patients look out for if they suspect they have the condition.
1) Snoring
Although snoring is not a universal indicator of sleep apnea, it is an important early warning indication of this concern. Many people do not realize that they snore, but individuals who share a bed with someone else might inquire about any noises they make while asleep. Snoring, gasping, or snorting are all classic warning signs of sleep apnea. The noisier the snore, the greater the possibility it is caused by sleep apnea.
2) Persistent Fatigue or Drowsiness During The Day
Patients with sleep apnea frequently experience daytime fatigue and drowsiness due to oxygen deprivation and disruptions to deep, restorative sleep. If you feel weary and have difficulty staying awake during the day, sleep apnea may affect your sleep quality despite having a full night’s rest.
Sleep regulates a vast array of critical body systems. Thus, insufficient sleep can substantially impact your health, resulting in various problems ranging from immunodeficiency to hormone disruption.
3) Restlessness While Asleep
Persons affected by sleep apnea may sometimes experience difficulty sleeping. Additionally, restlessness may signify an illness. Sleep apnea patients may experience uncomfortable turning and tossing during sleep. Typically, the brain sends signals to awaken and resume breathing.
4) Waking Up with A Dry Mouth
Sleep apnea patients frequently awaken with a dry mouth or a scratchy throat. This concern may result from sleeping while the mouth is open, which can cause throat and airway dryness. Often, a dry mouth in the morning is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
Even though sleep apnea might not directly cause dry mouth, it could force nighttime mouth breathing (and, in some instances, during the day). However, you should note that using a CPAP machine can also cause a dry mouth.
5) Repeated Urination At Night
In terms of sleep apnea warning signs, nighttime urination is just as widespread as snoring. According to the American Sleep Foundation, around 85% of people with sleep apnea frequently urinate at night.
Awaking once during the night to urinate is not a cause for alarm and is typical for most people. However, waking up frequently at night to urinate may be a symptom of sleep apnea, particularly if the individual does not consume increased fluids before bed.
Sleep apnea is not all about snoring, as it can manifest in other symptoms and be a sign of an underlying health concern. Therefore, do not dismiss it as just an unpleasantness. Instead, you should arrange for a comprehensive sleep study to establish the root of your concerns. If Dr. David Shouhed diagnoses you with sleep apnea, he will devise a care plan that entails oral appliances or CPAP machines to alleviate your symptoms. Schedule a consultation through mobile or book online today to learn more.
