What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Many of us think that feeling tired all day, waking up throughout the night, and even having memory problems are just the effects of age catching up with us. However, these can also be symptoms of sleep apnea, a common, treatable condition that can affect your health and quality of life. Getting a diagnosis of sleep apnea allows you and your medical team to pursue treatment options.

What is Sleep Apnea?

The autonomic nervous system controls breathing during sleep. Ordinarily, this system manages breathing in response to oxygen levels. If you have sleep apnea, your brain periodically receives low levels of oxygen during sleep. In some cases, this is because your brain cannot manage your breathing properly, which is called central sleep apnea. Most cases are caused by obstructive sleep apnea, which means your airway becomes blocked and cuts off breathing, causing you to wake up abruptly. 

What are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Many people who have sleep apnea go undiagnosed because they do not realize their symptoms could be caused by this condition. Common signs of sleep apnea include:

• Sleepiness throughout the day
• Waking up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed
• Feeling foggy or having trouble concentrating
• Difficulty remembering things
• Snoring at night (not everyone with sleep apnea snores)
• Waking up with headaches
• Unusual breathing in your sleep
• Waking up frequently or feeling restless
• Mood changes, including anxiety and depression

If any of these symptoms affect you and you have concerns about sleep apnea, consulting with an oral or maxillofacial surgeon is a good step. Dr. Sonneveld will perform tests and examine your airway to determine whether you have sleep apnea and how to address it. 

How to Treat Sleep Apnea

The first line of treatment, which requires no medical interventions, is to make lifestyle changes that reduce sleep apnea. These can include changing your sleeping position, losing weight, and changing your sleeping habits. While these can help, they may not eliminate your problem. 

The most common sleep apnea treatment is CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). This device uses a mask worn over the face to create air pressure that keeps the airway open. While CPAP can be very effective, many people find it difficult to tolerate. 

Surgical options can also treat sleep apnea. Dr. Sonneveld performs several types of surgery that can open your airway and help you breathe better. These procedures may be an ideal option if your sleep apnea is affecting your quality of life, but CPAP has not worked well for you. 

Which Sleep Apnea Treatment is Best for Me?

If you have sleep apnea, Dr. Sonneveld often works with your medical team, including a sleep specialist who performs an overnight sleep study. By sharing information, this team will determine the best options for your needs. Tests such as MRI scans can allow your medical team to understand the anatomy of your airway and how it becomes blocked. 

Take the Next Step

If you have further questions about sleep apnea, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Faces Fort Worth. Call us at (817) 927-1818 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to taking care of you.