How Do I Know if I Have Sleep Apnea?
January 25, 2016
Sleep apnea is a condition that affects over 18 million adults in the United States alone. Fortunately, there is treatment available if you simply know where to look. Many individuals are unaware that they are suffering from an actual condition that may affect the quality of sleep, and eventually, the quality of life you live.
If you are worried you have sleep apnea but don’t know how to determine for sure, watch for the following symptoms that may show you need to seek professional treatment.
Three Main Signs
There are three main signs that show you may be struggling with sleep apnea. They are:
- Excessive sleepiness when you should be awake
- Pauses in your breathing during sleep when you may wake up gasping for air
- Persistent, loud snoring
While snoring alone doesn’t mean that you have sleep apnea, most WITH sleep apnea do snore, so it is a common sign that something should be done. Many patients turn to their spouses or partners to determine if their snoring is problematic, but there are other signs you can watch for that may signify some type of sleep apnea.
If you find yourself dozing off in the middle of conversations or meals, or wake up with extreme headaches, you may be dealing with some type of apnea. If you notice you have gummy front teeth or an exceptionally dry mouth in the morning, it may be time to seek treatment. You may also have a lower pain threshold, problems concentrating, irritability or depression if you aren’t sleeping well.
While all of these symptoms aren’t a guarantee that you have this condition, they are a clear sign that you may need to seek professional help to stop snoring in Nashville, TN.
Call Us Today
Fortunately, help is just a phone call away. If you fear you struggle from sleep apnea and want to begin getting the quality sleep you deserve, give us a call today at 615-653-4555 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pace.