Symptoms of Sleep Apnea – Las Vegas, NV
How to Spot the Signs of Sleep Apnea
Do you wake up feeling tired although you slept all night? Is your spouse always poking you in the side because of your snoring? You might be suffering from a sleep disorder. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing frequently throughout the night, most often due to an obstruction of the airway. While you might think it would be obvious if you have the disorder, it is estimated 80% of those who have sleep apnea are not diagnosed. It can be difficult to spot the signs of it.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Roughly 20 million Americans live with sleep apnea; however, many people who have it have not been properly diagnosed. The most common cause of the disorder results from the soft tissues in the back of the mouth or throat collapsing to block the airways. This causes frequent interruptions in breathing throughout the night. Since the pauses occur while you are asleep, it is easy for the condition to go unnoticed, but you may start to experience other symptoms, such as:
- Loud, Chronic Snoring: Everyone snores on occasion, but if it is a reoccurring issue, it could indicate a larger problem. The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud, chronic snoring that results from vibrations in the upper airway as the passage narrows. You may not be aware your snoring is a problem until after your spouse or family member brings it to your attention.
- Daytime Fatigue: You receive 7 to 9 hours of sleep at night, but you still feel tired throughout the day. You might attribute it to tossing and turning, but it is also a sign of sleep apnea. The pauses in your breathing make it difficult to get REM sleep. As a result, you can wake up feeling drowsy. Over time, this can lead to sleep deprivation, which can cause mood swings, loss of cognitive functions, and an increased risk of workplace and auto accidents.
- Morning Headaches: Waking with a headache is a common symptom of the sleep disorder. When you stop breathing, less oxygen reaches the brain, which makes your blood vessels widen. This can lead to vascular headaches.
- High Blood Pressure: Inadequate oxygen levels place a strain on your heart. This increases your risk of cardiovascular complications, including high blood pressure. When your brain realizes there is not enough oxygen in your blood, it causes a spike in your blood pressure to try to combat the event. Over time, your body gets used to the restricted blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure. This increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Mood Instability: Lack of sleep can significantly impact your mood throughout the day. You may become irritable, depressed, short-tempered, or anxious.
Learn About Diagnosing Sleep Apnea
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Dr. Pam West is specially trained to treat sleep apnea in Las Vegas. She can create the personalized solution you need to breathe better. She will help you get the rest you need to restore your quality of life. Contact our office today to schedule a FREE consultation.