Sleep Apnea – What is it & What are the Symptoms?

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts. You may have sleep apnea if you snore loudly and you feel tired even after a full night's sleep.

Sleep apnea occurs in two main types: obstructive sleep apnea, the more common form that occurs when throat muscles relax, and central sleep apnea, which occurs when your brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Additionally, some people have complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of both.

If you think you might have sleep apnea, see your doctor. Treatment is necessary to avoid heart problems and other complications.

What are the symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making the type of sleep apnea more difficult to determine. The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
• Loud snoring, which is usually more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea
• Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
• Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, which more likely indicates central sleep apnea
• Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
• Morning headache
• Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

When should you see a doctor?

Consult a medical professional if you experience, or if your partner observes the following:
 

• Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
• Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
• Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
• Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you're working, watching television or even driving

Many people don't think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. But be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring, especially snoring that's punctuated by periods of silence.

Ask your doctor about any sleep problem that leaves you chronically fatigued, sleepy and irritable. Excessive daytime drowsiness (hypersomnia) may be due to other disorders, such as narcolepsy.

Contact the Coleman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry today to learn more about Sleep Apnea and Click here to Stop Snoring & Start Living.

Learn More by reading the Coleman Center for Cosmetic Dentistry's "Sleep Apnea Treatment".

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Dr. Paul Coleman and his team at The Coleman Center for Cosemetic Dentistry, located at 12324 Oak Knoll Rd. Poway, CA 92064, have been proudly serving the Dental, Cosmetic Dentistry & Neuromuscular Dentistry needs of San Deigo for over 20 Years. Contact us today to setup your Free Dental Consultation & get the Smile You Deserve.