9 Reasons to Suspect It May Be More Than Just Snoring
Sure snoring isn't sexy, but it can also be an indication of a more serious medical problem called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In people with sleep apnea, the throat collapses during sleep cutting off the flow of oxygen. 90% of people who have sleep apnea are not aware of it. Usually its the bed partner who notices the signs of apnea so check with your bed partner.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs more often in people who are overweight, over age 35 and in men (although this may be just because women have been under reported). Reason 1: Excessive daytime sleepiness
If you tend to drowse off while sitting quietly at home, at work, on the phone or while driving, it could be a sign that you are not getting refreshing sleep at night. Reason 2: Loud snoring
Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Loud snoring also interferes with a bed partner's sleep and can cause high blood pressure. Reason 3: Cessation of breathing
Your sleeping partner may notice frequent times through the night when you stop breathing. his can occur for a little as 5 times an hour to more than 50 times an hour. The number of times you stop breathing wll determine whether you have mild apnea or severe apnea. Reason 4: Gasping or choking while sleeping
When the throat collapses during sleep, the brain forces you to partially awaken to breathe. This can happen many times during an hour and keep you from getting the deep sleep you need. Reason 5: Feeling unrefreshed in the morning
Because you are not getting the sleep you need, you may feel more tired in the morning after a night's sleep than you did the night before. THis can also cause problems with memory, concentration and personality changes. Reason 6: Heartburn or a sour taste in the morning or at night
Many people with sleep apnea regurgitate stomach acid while sleeping. This is known as GERD and can cause problems with your esophagus and your teeth. Reason 7: Headaches, sore throat or dry mouth in the morning
Almost half the people with sleep apnea have headaches due to a poor night's sleep. Reason 8: Sexual dysfunction
It's true! Obstructive sleep apnea sufferers may experience a lack of sexual desire because of fatigue. In men, sleep apnea can be a cause of ED. Reason 9: Sweating and chest pain at night
Cardiac deaths occur in the early morning hours with people who suffer from sleep apnea.
Something else you should be aware of - shirt collar size is a good indicator of sleep apnea especially in people with high blood pressure and those who awake gasping and choking at night. If you are a woman and have a neck size of 16 inches or more, or you are a man with a shirt collar neck size of 17 inches or more and have any of the above reasons to be concerned, please check with your doctor.
Dr.Michael Mostofi Aliso Viejo Dentist www.HealthySmile360.com 949-831-5511