Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a condition that affects an estimated 22 million people in the United States. In many cases, sufferers are completely unaware that they have the condition. Due to symptoms occurring during sleep, a partner or family member is often the first person to bring symptoms to light. Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea is therefore essential.

Sleep apnea symptoms include breaks in breathing, gasping, snoring, choking and frequently waking. However, some symptoms may present during the daylight hours. If you always feel tired, find it hard to concentrate, have unexplained mood swings or wake up with a headache, there is a chance you are suffering from sleep apnea.

If you or another person identifies any of these symptoms, it is time to seek help from Scott A. Babin, DDS and Associates. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition that can lead to further health complications such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and much more.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Common causes of sleep apnea include a thicker neck, narrowed airway, obesity, genetics and aging. When the airways are unable to take in air efficiently, the normal breathing process is obstructed. Sufferers of sleep apnea may stop breathing for up to a minute in severe cases. These episodes can also occur up to 400 times in a single sleep cycle.

Sleep apnea specialists are still supporting and involved in research to determine the exact underlying factors that contribute to the condition. While much of what causes sleep apnea is well understood, there is still much work to be done in order to offer sufferers better treatment options.

If you have any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, reach out to Scott A. Babin, DDS and Associates for a consultation. We offer sleep studies and effective treatment paths for sufferers who are at risk of developing serious health complications.