How Sleep Apnea Affects You

Sleep apnea is a condition which affects the sufferer’s breathing during sleep. It is frequently accompanied by loud snoring. Snoring is often considered to be merely a nuisance, which keeps the snorer’s partner awake. However, sleep apnea is a serious condition which can cause longer-term health issues. Sleep apnea is a disruption of normal breathing patterns. There may be brief interruptions, typically lasting between 15 and 20 seconds, to the sufferer’s breathing. In some cases, the sleeper may take much shallower breaths than usual. If you are concerned about sleep apnea, you should consult your dentist to inquire about Oral Sleep Apnea Treatment in Renton.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you may have symptoms of chronic sleep deprivation. These include daytime drowsiness, problems concentrating, irritability, depression, mood swings, and learning difficulties. There may also be changes to your personality. In addition, you may experience headaches and a dry mouth or sore throat, particularly on waking. If you have to get up to urinate multiple times during the night, this can also be a sign of sleep apnea. Children who suffer from sleep apnea may have nightmares or night terrors, wet the bed, sweat excessively, or assume unusual sleeping positions.

Possible Consequences of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep patterns. Sufferers spend more time in the lighter phases of sleep and less time in the most restorative, deeper phases. This can impair their ordinary daytime functioning. Sufferers who drive are at increased risk of becoming involved in an automobile accident. Their work and social lives may be affected by their inability to concentrate. They may also experience mood swings and other psychological symptoms. In addition, sleep apnea is associated with some serious longer-term health conditions. These include excess weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It is therefore important to consult a medical or dental professional if you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea. With appropriate treatment, sleep apnea can usually be controlled, enabling you to return to optimum health.