Sleep Apnea Symptoms

There are a variety of symptoms associated with sleep apnea. These symptoms include:

• Regular and loud snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds while asleep
• Pauses in breathing while asleep
• Insomnia
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Headaches, especially upon waking
• A dry or sore throat upon waking
• Frequent mood changes and personality changes, including anxiety, irritability and depression
• Restless sleep and frequent nighttime urination
• Falling asleep while driving, working and reading
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory impairment

Sleep apnea may also contribute to a number of medical issues and lifestyle risks, including:

• An increased risk of accidents while driving and at work
• Heart disease and stroke
• Weight gain
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High blood pressure
• Liver problems
• Problems with the central nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems
• Problems with hormone production
• Poor balance
• Behavioral disorders
• Poor overall quality of life

A lack of quality sleep as a result of sleep apnea has also been recognized as a global problem and a public health epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you believe that you or a loved one may have sleep apnea, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with our dentist.