How Do You Know If You Have Sleep Apnea?

A good night’s sleep is essential for your health, but if you wake up feeling exhausted no matter how long you’ve slept, there could be an underlying reason. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people, and many don’t even realize they have it. Because the condition often happens while you’re asleep, the warning signs can be easy to miss.

Knowing what to watch for can help you seek treatment sooner and improve both your sleep and overall well-being.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), happens when the muscles in the back of the throat relax too much, temporarily blocking the airway.

These breathing interruptions may happen dozens (or even hundreds) of times each night. Each pause can briefly wake you up, even if you don’t remember it, preventing your body from reaching the deep, restorative sleep it needs.

Common Signs and Symptoms

One of the biggest clues that you may have sleep apnea is loud, frequent snoring. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud snoring combined with pauses in breathing is a strong warning sign. In many cases, a spouse or family member notices these pauses before the person experiencing them does.

Other common symptoms include:

• Waking up gasping or choking
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
• Feeling tired or sleepy throughout the day
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Irritability or mood changes

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s worth talking with a healthcare provider.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea can affect people of all ages, but certain factors increase the risk. Excess weight, a larger neck size, aging, and a family history of sleep apnea can all contribute. Smoking, alcohol use before bedtime, and certain medical conditions may also increase the likelihood of developing the disorder.

Even people who don’t fit these risk factors can experience sleep apnea, so it’s important not to ignore persistent symptoms.

Why It’s Important to Get Evaluated

Untreated sleep apnea does more than leave you feeling tired. Over time, it can increase your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. It may also affect your work performance, memory, and quality of life.

A sleep evaluation can help determine whether sleep apnea is causing your symptoms. Many people complete a sleep study either at a specialized sleep center or in the comfort of their own home, depending on their individual needs.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Many people are surprised to learn that dentists can play an important role in identifying and treating obstructive sleep apnea. During routine dental exams, your dentist may notice signs that suggest a narrowed airway or other risk factors. If sleep apnea is suspected, they can refer you for appropriate testing.

For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, a custom oral appliance may be an effective treatment option. These comfortable devices are worn while sleeping and help keep the airway open by gently repositioning the jaw.

Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep

If you’ve been struggling with snoring, daytime fatigue, or other symptoms of sleep apnea, don’t ignore the signs. Getting evaluated can lead to better sleep, improved health, and more energy for the activities you enjoy. Talk with our team or healthcare provider to learn whether a sleep apnea evaluation is right for you.