Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea: What to Look Out For

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can cause loud snoring at night and a wide range of daytime symptoms. It is characterized by repeated awakenings associated with

obstructive sleep apnea

, which makes normal, restful sleep impossible, causing severe drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability during the day. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and more. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of sleep apnea so that you can seek treatment if necessary.

The most common symptom is loud snoring, but other signs include feeling very tired during the day, anxiety, exhaustion, depression, poor health, and the risk of a serious health emergency. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a sleep specialist for evaluation. The specialist may recommend a sleep study to determine your symptoms and recommend the best treatment for you. This could include a mandibular advancement device (MAD) to ease your symptoms and help you sleep better at night almost immediately.

It can be difficult to determine what type of sleep apnea you have since the signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap. However, if you scored between 5 and 8 on a sleep apnea test, you are at high risk of having obstructive sleep apnea and should be evaluated by a sleep specialist. Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz pioneered the integration of sleep medicine with dentistry and can provide highly effective treatment for those suffering from

sleep apnea

.

He can review your symptoms and medical history and then order tests to confirm the diagnosis of sleep apnea.