Common Signs Of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea isn’t always a clear issue. Sometimes, someone can have sleep apnea without even realizing it. However, after a while without good sleep, they probably will notice a decline in their mood, mental energy, and health.
You see, sleep apnea can be a little tricky to diagnose. But if your sleeping partner is constantly telling you that you snore at night, and you don’t feel as if you’re getting the best sleep anymore, it’s possible that you have sleep apnea.
So what are the the warning signs of sleep apnea? Depending on the kind of sleep apnea you have, the signs may differ.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea vs. Central Sleep Apnea
There are two different types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The more common type of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, almost always causes one to snore in their sleep. This form of sleep apnea happens when airflow is blocked from your nose, mouth, or throat. This means you can lose oxygen up to 30 or more times during sleep.
Eventually, because your body is constantly losing air and forcing you to wake up, you lose a lot of quality sleep. This means that health complications like diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks, or even death are possible.
It’s important to realize that a healthier lifestyle can often cure an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis. This type of sleep apnea often occurs due to weight gain, which leads to a downward spiral of health complications.
But once you’re already lacking sleep and on an unhealthy routine, it can be difficult to make the right changes. Dr. Matorin and staff can help you implement the changes you need for better health and better sleep.
2. Central Sleep Apnea
Central sleep apnea is a little different. For example, if you have this kind of sleep apnea, your brain actually fails to initiate breathing while you’re asleep.
This type of sleep apnea may be due to a few different causes. For instance, untreated congestive heart failure or disruptions of the neurologic control system for breathing may be the reason for your sleep apnea. However, if central sleep apnea is caused by congestive heart failure, medical treatment for the heart may resolve the sleep apnea.
Additionally, sleep apnea can also happen during CPAP treatment if the pressure from the machine is too high. So make sure to speak with Dr. Matorin if you believe the pressure on your CPAP or BIPAP is too strong.
If you’re looking for long-lasting relief for your sleep troubles, it’s time to get to the root of the problem. Schedule a sleep test with Dr. Matorin!
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
The most obvious symptom of sleep apnea is snoring, but it’s not the only one. Furthermore, you’re most likely to notice these symptoms during the day and in the morning when you first wake up.
So, what are the warning signs of sleep apnea? Symptoms may include:
- Morning headaches
- Trouble staying asleep
- Excessive fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Weight gain
Sleep Apnea Treatment Options
Thankfully, there are effective treatment options and services that can completely eliminate your sleep apnea symptoms.
Do you want to sleep well at night once again? Then schedule an appointment with Dr. Matorin!
1. CPAP Machine
A CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is worn like a mask and helps prevent airflow blockage during rest. Moreover, the success rate for a CPAP machine in resolving obstructive sleep apnea is around 80%. This is not a cure for sleep apnea but instead is a noninvasive treatment. The 20% of unsuccessful CPAP treatment is mostly due to patients not being able to tolerate the machine because they are claustrophobic, skin irritation from the mask, or difficulty traveling with the machine when needed.
2. Pillar Procedure
For those who snore or experience very mild sleep apnea, the pillar procedure is another option.
Three small implants (2mm in diameter) are inserted into the soft palate to create scarring, which stiffens the soft palate. By stiffening the soft palate, the snore-causing vibrations are reduced.
The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. Additionally, it’s a safe procedure that often increases your bed partner’s satisfaction and quality of life.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes, changing your habits can reduce your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
For example, exercise, a healthy diet, and giving up smoking may eliminate sleep apnea altogether. However, we realize if you are already battling an unhealthy routine with fatigue, it can be difficult to make these changes.
Speak with Dr. Matorin about your challenges so that you can come up with a solution together. The longer you put off treating your sleep apnea, the more serious the symptoms will become.
Ready to Win the Fight Against Sleep Apnea? Dr. Matorin Offers the Support You Need
When you schedule an appointment with Dr. Matorin, you’re taking the first steps toward a good night’s sleep. If this guide on what are the warning signs of sleep apnea resonates with you, do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can get to the root of your sleep apnea problem and find long-lasting solutions.
To get started, we’ll conduct a sleep study to understand exactly what the issue is. Then we’ll find the best solution for your needs.
