Sleep apnea is a potentially deadly condition, but most people don’t know they have it. Perhaps 80% of people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed. So how do you know if you might have it?
Although snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, there are 7 other symptoms that should alarm you that you might have sleep apnea. River Edge Dental is committed to treating patients with sleep apnea using oral appliance therapy to eliminate symptoms and treat sleep apnea for life. With a proper treatment plan, you will wake up feeling more rested, and eliminate the health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea. Here are 7 symptoms of sleep apnea you shouldn’t ignore. If you happen to have them, make sure to schedule a consultation with our sleep apnea dentist in River Edge, NJ.
1. You Feel Exhausted During the Day
Regardless if you sleep for 10 hours at night, if you wake up feeling exhausted and it continues throughout the day, this is a major problem. Oftentimes, sleep apnea is to blame. This is because your body wakes itself up repeatedly throughout the night to get enough oxygen. Most people don’t even know they wake up throughout the night gasping.
2. You Wake Up Gasping or Choking
Following our last symptom of sleep apnea, waking up gasping or choking is another symptom you shouldn’t ignore. If you don’t notice you do this, ask someone who has slept in the same room as you if you have this habit.
3. You Wake Up with Headaches
Waking up with a headache is not a good way to start your day. It’s often a symptom of sleep apnea due to the lack of oxygen in the blood blow that reaches the brain. A lack of oxygen to the brain can result in headaches. Sleep apnea is a common migraine trigger.
4. Your Bed Partner Complains You Choke, Gasp, or Snore
You never know what you do in your sleep until someone sleeps next to you. If your partner has ever complained that you choke, gasp or snore at night, it might be worth getting checked out for sleep apnea. About 70% of people who snore have sleep apnea.
5. You Have High Blood Pressure
Although many factors can cause blood pressure, about 50% of people with sleep apnea also have high blood pressure. This is no coincidence. The lack of oxygen in the bloodstream wreaks havoc on cardiovascular health. The risk of sleep apnea is even higher if you’ve tried medication to lower your blood pressure, but it hasn’t worked.
6. You Have High Blood Sugar
Not only watch out for high blood pressure but also high blood sugar. Sleep deprivation can mess with the body’s ability to process glucose which can lead to insulin resistance. This can eventually result in type 2 diabetes.
7. Your Mood is Unpredictable
When you feel excessively tired, it’s not unusual to feel cranky or irritable. If you feel quick-tempered, depressed, or irritable all the time, please visit a physician.
If you have any of the above symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them. Our sleep apnea dentist can refer you to a sleep specialist to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. Once you’re diagnosed, we are happy to provide you with proper treatment to help you start sleeping better and waking up feeling refreshed. Contact River Edge Dental today to schedule a consultation at (201) 343-4044.
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