Treating sleep apnea can be tricky sometimes, mainly because patients are often unaware that they have it, and therefore, never seek treatment for it. The main characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea is chronic, unusually loud snoring. The noise may be obvious, but snoring isn’t always obviously connected to sleep apnea. However, there are also other symptoms that could serve as a warning. If you experience them, then you should schedule an examination as soon as possible to address these and other potential consequences of sleep apnea.
Constant, loud snoring
Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction in your airway caused by oversized or over-relaxed oral and throat tissues. When your airway is partially obstructed, your breath is forced through a tighter space, increasing the air pressure and causing the walls in your throat to vibrate loudly. If you have sleep apnea, then the noise will grow louder as your airway becomes more constricted, then stop as the airway is closed altogether.
Chronic daytime exhaustion
Sleep apnea episodes can repeat hundreds of times every night, creating a distinctive pattern of loud snoring and silence. You might not consciously wake up from these cycles, but they can stop you from entering deep levels of sleep, depriving your mind and body of rest. Aside from snoring, one of the most notable symptoms of sleep apnea is chronic daytime exhaustion due to lack of proper rest.
More frequent sickness
Lower quality sleep means a weaker immune system, and the longer sleep apnea is left untreated, the more frequently you may experience sicknesses like the common cold. This can also result in less energy overall, a general feeling of unwellness, and dramatic changes in your appetite.
Learn More About Common Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you experience symptoms that might indicate sleep deprivation or obstructive sleep apnea, then find out if you need a custom sleep appliance by scheduling an examination. To learn more, call Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.
