Many patients who come to us for sleep medicine wonder, “What are the warning signs for sleep apnea?” Frequently, patients may suspect they have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, many of the symptoms can occur without a sleep disorder, so they are uncertain about whether or not to seek treatment.
Even if you are unsure about whether you have sleep apnea, it is important to schedule a diagnostic consultation as soon as possible. Untreated OSA can have serious consequences for your long-term health. Dr. Timothy Mickiewicz was a pioneer in the integration of sleep medicine with dentistry and can provide highly effective treatment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Loud Snoring
According to a survey by the American Academy of Sleep MedicineTM, almost 70% of Americans report that their partner snores. Not all these individuals have sleep apnea. Nonetheless, since snoring is one of the most common OSA symptoms, if you do snore, you should see a sleep specialist.
If you have OSA, your airways close up while you sleep. When you breathe, the air must travel through your blocked throat, vibrating the soft tissues. Snoring can be embarrassing and disruptive to your spouse, not to mention a telltale sign of a more serious health issue.
Waking Up During the Night
Sleep apnea also causes cessations in breathing, and each time this happens, you may wake up. Typically, these interruptions to your rest are different from regular insomnia. Patients with OSA often wake up with a loud gasp or a feeling like they can’t breathe.
Restlessness and constant movement during the night could also indicate sleep apnea.
Fatigue
When your sleep is constantly interrupted, you are bound to be tired. Patients with OSA often nod off during the day, feel lethargic, have difficulty concentrating, or become forgetful. But this fatigue is not just an annoyance – it can also be dangerous. Drivers with untreated sleep apnea are 2.5 times more likely to die in a car accident than those without a sleep disorder.
Other Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Other warning signs of sleep apnea can include:
- Dry mouth
- Waking up with a sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Anxiety, depression, and/or irritability
Know the Risk Factors
Seeking a medical diagnosis becomes even more important if you fit the profile for an at-risk patient. Contributing factors to the development of sleep apnea include:
- Being overweight
- Being male
- A family history of OSA
- Smoking
- Large neck circumference
- A small jaw
Sleep Medicine for OSA
If you present with any of the warning signs for sleep apnea, Dr. Mickiewicz can provide outstanding care. Certified through the Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines, Dr. Mickiewicz has assembled a network of like-minded professionals who understand the serious effects of sleep apnea. He will work with your care team to address your OSA as well as the underlying causes of the condition.
To alleviate your symptoms and to help you get a better night’s sleep almost immediately, he will provide a mandibular advancement device (MAD). These custom-made oral appliances reposition the jaw, moving it forward so that your airways can stay free and open overnight. MADs are affordable, convenient, and comfortable.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Stop wondering, “What are the warning signs for sleep apnea,” and learn whether you have this sleep disorder. Experience Dr. Mickiewicz’s care for yourself and find out why patients come from around the Sacramento, CA, area to benefit from his expertise. Contact our office online or call (916) 469-9178.
