Sleep Apnea Symptoms
The symptoms of sleep apnea are both short-term and long-term, and over time, if untreated could wreak havoc on your health.
Some of the short-term symptoms include:
• Daytime fatigue
• Sleepiness during the day
• Feeling exhausted upon waking
• Trouble concentrating during the day
• Memory issues
• Mood swings/irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Daytime fatigue
• Sleepiness during the day
• Feeling exhausted upon waking
• Depression
• Memory issues
• Mood swings/irritability
• Anxiety
• Trouble concentrating during the day
Snoring is also a common symptom, but it’s more than a symptom—it has a cause-and-effect relationship. Snoring is the sound you make while trying to force air through an obstructed airway during sleep. If you snore, you have sleep apnea; if you have sleep apnea, you will snore in most cases.
Sleep apnea occurs when the tissue in your airway becomes too relaxed and collapses, causing a blockage that will not allow air to pass through smoothly. Snoring occurs when you force air through the blocked airway, and choking and gasping for air throughout the night is common. You may not even know you’re doing this, but your sleeping partner is likely aware of your sleep struggles.
The breathing cessations that sleep apneics suffer from may occur hundreds of times each night and could last up to ten seconds or even longer. That level of interrupted sleep certainly takes a physical, emotional, cognitive, and mental toll on the person. Dr. Richard Crosby is the sleep apnea dentist who can help.
Long-Term Symptoms
As we said above, sleep apnea has both short-term and long-term symptoms. While the short-term symptoms of OSA are very concerning and can certainly cause problems in day-to-day living, the long-term symptoms of OSA are even more problematic because they affect so many areas of the human body and to such a severe degree, especially when OSA is left untreated.
Long-term symptoms include:
- Memory loss over the long term is quite common with OSA.
- Depression and anxiety are often found in people who suffer from OSA.
- Brain fog (confusion and memory issues) may continue for months, years, or even decades if OSA is left untreated.
- OSA has been associated with a weakened immune system, which can cause a whole host of issues with fighting infection and suffering from autoimmune disorders.
- Many people with OSA have high blood pressure.
- OSA increases the likelihood of irregular heart rhythms, stroke, and other cardiac issues.
- Some men experience erectile dysfunction, and other libido-related issues in all genders are associated with OSA.
- People with OSA are more likely to be diagnosed with Type II Diabetes; likewise, people with Type II Diabetes are more likely to suffer.
- Breathing problems at night may lead to problems with your lungs and other parts of the respiratory system.
How Can We Help You?
Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment
Sleep apnea and snoring treatment may be as simple as making some behavior modifications and lifestyle changes. When changes in sleep habits were combined with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT), many people experienced a marked improvement in their symptoms. Also, many patients noted substantial improvement in their quality of life.
We all know how we feel after a bad night’s sleep. It makes for a very long day upon rising. Just think about the damage your physical and emotional health and well-being are suffering due to your OSA. You need not suffer any longer.
Contact Dr. Richard Crosby, Anchorage Dentist, Today
Please call (907) 277-1098 today to schedule your initial evaluation for treatment, or you may fill out our online contact form to ask questions or request an appointment.
