Every one snores from time-to-time, and most think that it’s no big deal. However, if you suffer from chronic snoring, you may actually have an underlying condition. The most common symptom of sleep apnea is chronic snoring, which is often noticed by a family member or spouse. If you have chronic snoring, you may have additional symptoms of sleep apnea, but just aren’t aware what you’re experiencing are actual symptoms. If you’re a chronic snorer, we have the top 6 symptoms of sleep apnea you need to look out for. If you experience any of these symptoms, you need to be evaluated and seek sleep apnea treatment in Carlisle.
Sleep Apnea and Chronic Snoring
Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs most often from an obstruction in the airway. This obstruction restricts the airways, which causes a pause in breathing. These pauses in breathing occur multiple times per night and can last as long as 30 seconds per episode. These pauses often go unnoticed while you’re sleeping, but you may actually notice the interruptions as they produce a wide range of symptoms.
Chronic snoring—Chronic snoring is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, which results from the airways becoming restricted. Often, the airways begin to collapse, causing snoring to occur.
Constant Daytime Exhaustion—Those with sleep apnea often develop constant daytime fatigue, no matter how much you may have slept the night before. This is due to the fact sleep quality decreases from the interruptions in breathing.
Significant Issues with Concentration and/or Memory—When apnea goes untreated, sleep deprivation often sets in. This occurs from decreased sleep quality, which can produce many negative consequences on your ability to perform throughout the day. In addition to loss of concentration and memory, you may also experience irritability, depression, and anxiety.
Morning Headaches—Those with apnea often wake with headaches in the morning due to lack of adequate oxygen throughout the night.
Dry Mouth and/or Throat in the Morning—The chronic snoring caused from a reduced airflow often results dry mouth or throat. In some cases, you may even wake at night due to the dryness.
Choking, Gasping, or Pauses in Breathing during Sleep—The interruptions in breathing often cause patients to wake at night choking or gasping for air. You may not notice these symptoms yourself, so be sure to speak with your spouse if they have noticed anything.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Carlisle
The long-term implications of sleep apnea can become deadly as they increase your risk for cardiovascular complications and many other negative health complications. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, you need to visit your dentist in Carlisle. We can perform an evaluation to determine if the condition is present. If so, we offer sleep apnea treatment in Carlisle to help keep the airways open. We use oral appliance therapy and a combination of other therapies to keep the airways open to sleep soundly at night.
If you’re a chronic snorer or have other symptoms of apnea, call our office at (717) 836-0547 to schedule an evaluation.
