23 Oct When Is Snoring a Possible Symptom of Sleep Apnea?
Millions of Americans are affected by sleep apnea, and if you suffer from persistent, severe snoring, you might be one of them. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that not only interferes with your quality of sleep, but can also leave you at risk of major health complications. These can include an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s important to note that snoring isn’t necessarily a sign of sleep apnea. However, if you do snore frequently, you may want to see a medical professional.
The Signs That Snoring May Indicate Sleep Apnea
Occasional, light snoring is usually nothing to be worried about. Alternatively, consistent snoring on most or all nights is something that you should have checked out by a doctor or dentist. In addition, snoring associated with sleep apnea tends to be loud. Your sleep partner might also notice that your snoring is followed by pauses in your breathing. The temporary cessation of breathing during sleep (which forces awakening), is the hallmark characteristic of sleep apnea. Furthermore, these silent pauses in your breathing may be followed by snorting, choking, or gasping sounds. These are caused by your body’s forceful restarting of breathing.
The Other Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
Snoring can be even more troublesome when it’s accompanied by the other possible symptoms of sleep apnea. Consider whether you have experienced any of the following issues:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue on most days
- Feeling unrefreshed upon awakening in the morning
- Sore throat, dry mouth, or headache in the morning
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety, irritability, or other mood changes
A diagnosis of sleep apnea doesn’t always mean you need to use a CPAP machine to achieve restful sleep. Contact the office of John R. Carson, DDS to ask us about our sleep apnea dentistry services, including custom oral appliances that allow you to breathe better throughout the night and sleep more soundly. You can reach us at (520) 514-7203 to request an appointment at our Tucson office.