5 Signs You Have Sleep Apnea

What if we told you that 80 percent of people with a serious health condition don’t know that they are at risk? It’s true: experts estimate that 22 million Americans have sleep apnea -- but 80 percent of them don’t know it yet! With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of five signs you might have sleep apnea. If any of these sound like you, call our North Richland Hills office today!

1. Regular Fatigue

Do you feel tired, no matter how many hours you sleep? Do you find yourself dozing off throughout the day? Constant fatigue is a common sign of sleep apnea. Why? People with sleep apnea experience breathing obstructions while asleep. They may stop breathing hundreds of times throughout the night, leading to poor quality sleep and daytime fatigue.<?p>

2. Snoring

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. However, snoring is incredibly common in sleep apnea patients! Snoring occurs when the muscles at the back of the throat collapse. When air moves over them as you breathe, this results in that snore sound. If you or a loved one snores, you may have sleep apnea!

3. Morning Headaches

It probably comes as no surprise that if you stop breathing hundreds of times throughout the night, you’ll probably feel bad when you wake up. Morning headaches are a common sign of sleep apnea, along with a sore throat or dry mouth.

4. Mood Changes

You don’t need to be a doctor to know that sleep is important for your health -- both physically and mentally. When sleep is interrupted, people often experience mood changes. This could include depression, anxiety, memory problems, and other issues.

5. Gasping & Choking

If you’ve ever woken up gasping or choking for breath, that is a sign you were experiencing a breathing obstruction caused by sleep apnea. Some are severe enough to cause you to wake up, but hundreds of other obstructions may be occurring while you’re still asleep.

Sleep Apnea Treatment

If one or more of these sound like you, you may have sleep apnea. Not only can Dr. Desai help diagnose your condition, she can help you get relief! Call us today to learn more about our sleep apnea services or to schedule your next appointment.

Contact us for all of your oral health needs!