Are You Or A Loved One Suffering From Sleep Apnea?
Have you been told by your loved ones that your snoring is keeping everyone awake? Or do you wake up in the morning feeling just as tired as when you went to sleep? If you answered yes to either or both of these questions, you may be suffering from a common sleep condition known as sleep apnea. This condition can be detrimental to your overall health, but it often remains undiagnosed. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes patients to stop breathing for a short time because the tongue blocks the airway and causes obstruction. Each time you stop breathing, due to a lack of oxygen, your brain is alerted to the disruption, causing you to wake up. Some patients with sleep apnea can wake up over a hundred times per night!
What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
People who snore often don’t realize it until they are notified by a loved one. Others just assume that they are tired from daily activities and don’t realize it is from a lack of quality sleep at night. Sleep apnea symptoms can include:
- Snoring
- Trouble breathing
- Fatigue
- Chronic sleep deprivation
- Confusion
- Acid reflux
- Headaches in the morning
- Waking with a dry mouth
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Irritability
What are the Effects of Sleep Apnea?
Living with sleep apnea can lead to serious complications with your overall health as the years pass. Quality sleep is needed to function properly each day. During periods of sleep, your body and mind recharge for the next day. Patients with sleep apnea can be prone to car accidents or other types of accidents due to exhaustion. It is also possible to experience these medical conditions:
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
- Weakened immune system
- Risk of heart disease and diabetes
- Increased risk of mood disorders such as depression
- Low blood oxygen levels
If you think you or a loved one might be suffering from sleep apnea and experience any of the warning signs above, please reach out to our office, which is located in Mooresville, NC. We can discuss options that will help you get the sleep you need and deserve.
