Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can be characterized by a range of symptoms, which may vary in severity among individuals. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for early detection and appropriate treatment. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud and Chronic Snoring: One of the most prevalent symptoms of sleep apnea is loud and persistent snoring. The snoring is often intermittent and may be accompanied by choking or gasping sounds as breathing resumes.
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Individuals with sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, regardless of how much sleep they get. This can manifest as feeling drowsy, fatigued or having difficulty staying awake during the day.
- Abrupt Awakening With a Choking Sensation: Sleep apnea can cause individuals to wake up suddenly, often with a sensation of choking or gasping for air. These awakenings may be frequent but are usually brief and may go unnoticed.
- Restless Sleep and Insomnia: Sleep apnea can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, leading to restless and fragmented sleep. Individuals may have trouble falling asleep or maintaining sleep, or they may wake up frequently during the night.
- Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches, particularly in the morning, is a common symptom of sleep apnea. These headaches are often described as dull and throbbing and may improve as the day progresses.
- Irritability and Mood Changes: Sleep apnea can impact mood and emotional well-being. Individuals may experience irritability, mood swings, difficulty concentrating and even depression due to chronic sleep disruption.
- Dry Mouth and Sore Throat: Breathing through the mouth during sleep, which is common in sleep apnea, can result in a dry mouth and throat upon waking.
It is important to note that not all individuals with sleep apnea will exhibit the same symptoms. Some individuals may only experience one or a few of these symptoms, while others may exhibit a combination of them. If you or someone you know is experiencing these sleep apnea symptoms in Chandler and Tucson, Arizona, and Sandy, Utah, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation from our dentist, Dr. Brett Barney. We invite you to call Desert Sleep Solutions LLC at 520-663-0419 today to schedule an appointment.