Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts again. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea.
The main types of sleep apnea are:
- Obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form, occurs when the neck muscles relax
- Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send the right signals to the muscles that control breathing.
- Complex sleep apnea syndrome, also known as treatment-induced central sleep apnea, occurs when a person has obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
If you think you may have sleep apnea, see your doctor. Treatment can ease your symptoms and help prevent heart problems and other complications. The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea overlap, sometimes making it difficult to determine which type you have.
The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea are:
- Loud snoring
- Episodes where you stop breathing during sleep – reported by someone else
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Waking up with a dry mouth
- Morning headache
- Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia)
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Difficulty paying attention while awake
- Irritability
When to see a doctor
Loud snoring can indicate a potentially serious problem, but not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Consult your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of sleep apnea. Ask your doctor about any sleep problems that cause tiredness, sleepiness, and irritability.
Dr. Montz, Dr. Maher, or Dr. Dunwody at Houston Sleep Solutions South will be able to help you determine if sleep apnea treatment is right for you. Contact us now.
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2443 S Galveston Ave
Pearland, Texas 77581
Pearland Phone: 281-485-48291769 S. Friendswood Dr. Ste 107
Friendswood, TX 77546
Friendswood Phone: 281-482-1275
