This article discusses seven signs that may mean you have sleep apnea. It also covers treatments for the condition.
People with obstructive sleep apnea, the most common type, often snore loudly. This condition occurs when your airway becomes partially or entirely blocked by tissues in the upper part of the throat during sleep. Because of this, your body has to work harder to push air through your airway, resulting in loud, frequent snores.
While snoring isn’t always an indicator of sleep apnea, bringing up a snoring problem to your doctor can help you determine whether it’s related.
When you stop breathing during sleep, your body may respond by gasping for air. These gasps are hard to miss, so a bedmate would likely notice if they occur.
If you learn that you’re gasping, talk with your doctor. Going without oxygen is not only bad for your sleep quality, but it strains your body.
In sleep apnea, the upper passages of your airway close off, blocking your breathing. When this happens, it may cause you to wake up with a start, out of breath.
While you may not notice your snoring, this abrupt, breathless awakening
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Your doctor can determine whether this is happening and create a treatment plan to restore your sleep.
Learn more about 6 health conditions linked to sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea
Your doctor can help you determine whether sleep apnea is contributing to your high blood pressure or to other cardiovascular issues.
Sleep interrupted by gasping, snoring, and stirring can make it difficult to wake up rested. People with untreated sleep apnea may not be able to achieve deep sleep.
It
- inattentiveness
- irritability
- a higher likelihood of falling asleep in dangerous situations, such as while driving
Waking up with a headache, palpitations, dry mouth, or sore throat could also be a sign of sleep apnea. It’s
A dry mouth and sore throat can also be post-sleep signs that you were struggling to breathe while you slept. Contact a doctor if you frequently wake up with these or other concerning symptoms.
Learn 3 things to tell your doctor about your sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. This may involve lifestyle changes, medical devices, or surgery.
Lifestyle changes
Certain lifestyle changes may help manage sleep apnea and its related conditions,
- eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- maintaining a moderate weight
- limiting your alcohol intake
- quitting smoking if you smoke
- sleeping on your side
- avoiding
certain medications Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source if possible, including:- opiates
- some antidepressants
- benzodiazepines
Medical devices
For more severe or chronic sleep apnea, your treatment plan may include machines or devices that help you breathe throughout sleep. For example, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can gently blow air into your airways through a mask.
Oral appliances like mouthguards
Learn more about what to expect when trying a new sleep apnea mask.
Surgery
Some people may need surgery to move their jaws or remove tissue that may be interfering with breathing. Implantable devices that stimulate specific nerves in the tongue to keep the airways open
Your doctor may only recommend surgical treatment if your condition is severe and other treatments have been ineffective or intolerable.
Read insights from an expert about living with sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that may lead to potentially serious complications, such as excessive fatigue or cardiovascular strain. Managing the condition can help you sleep better and reduce your risk of other health conditions.
Contact a doctor if you’re experiencing signs or symptoms consistent with sleep apnea.