Sleep apnea in Boise, Idaho, is a common ailment that affects people of any age. In severe cases, people will stop breathing for as long as 30 seconds, leading to many health complications. It can also contribute to depression. Fortunately, treatment is available for people suffering from sleep apnea.

Are you one of the many people unaware that they may have a condition known as sleep apnea? This condition is more common than you think and is not limited to adults. You should contact your doctor if you suspect that you or a loved one might be suffering from it. But how do you know if you have sleep apnea? Several warning signs could signal the presence of sleep apnea, and it’s essential to understand how to recognize them.

Fatigue

Symptoms of sleep apnea include fatigue and reduced energy. People with apnea may also experience headaches, feel tired and snappy, and nod off while reading. It can affect your ability to concentrate and make mistakes at work. Poor sleep can interfere with your immune system, causing you to catch colds frequently. Obesity can increase your risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea often feel tired during the day and have trouble thinking clearly.

Shortness of Breath

One of the warning signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is the occurrence of gasping for air in the middle of the night. This is not normal because the throat muscles relax too much and block the airway. This may not be noticeable to someone who sleeps deeply, but if it’s consistent and occurs regularly, you might have sleep apnea. Symptoms may include headaches, drowsiness, and morning sore throat.

People with OSA experience periodic pauses in breathing that may last for a few seconds or even minutes. They may snore during these periods, and sleep apnea symptoms can range from snoring to waking up feeling exhausted. Treatment may include limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and improving sleep hygiene. These simple changes will improve your sleep and improve your quality of life.

Other warning signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include shortness of breath, feeling like choking on your food, a dry mouth, and a sore throat. You may experience mood changes, insomnia, and a lack of energy. Those with sleep apnea may even experience a decline in sex life. They may experience depression, mood swings, or difficulty concentrating.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth is a common symptom of sleep apnea. People with the disorder may wake up with a sore throat and a dry mouth after sleeping. This condition is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood. Snoring may also cause dry mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor to determine if you suffer from sleep apnea.

You may not realize that you are suffering from sleep apnea until you notice your mouth is constantly dry while you sleep. If you wake up a lot during the night due to this problem, this is a warning sign of sleep apnea. A dry mouth can also be a symptom of a different type of sleep disorder, such as narcolepsy. A physician can help treat sleep apnea by using a CPAP machine, which uses a mask to breathe while you sleep.

While not all people who experience dry mouth during the night need to see a doctor, it is always essential to consult a doctor if the problem is severe enough to require medical intervention. However, some home remedies can help you solve the problem, such as using a humidifier in your bedroom and quitting smoking. Your doctor will also perform a physical exam and ask about your current medications and health history. You may also need to see a dentist regularly to prevent secondary dental problems and infections caused by dry mouth.

Snoring

Sleep apnea is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by episodes of airway obstruction during sleep. Most people snore occasionally, but some may suffer from a more serious medical condition. If you are experiencing these symptoms and think you may have sleep apnea, consult a specialist for sleep apnea in Boise, Idaho.

In most cases, snoring can be a warning sign of a more severe ailment. It occurs when the airflow is restricted in the nasopharynx. As a result, the tissues in the throat vibrate and cause the snoring sound. If you snore constantly, it is likely a symptom of sleep apnea.

Poor Quality Sleep

People with sleep apnea are often awoken by choking or gasping while asleep. Snoring may accompany other symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating or remembering events while awake, and mood swings. People with sleep apnea should seek medical attention if these symptoms are a concern.

If you or your partner wakes up frequently because of apnea, it may indicate sleep apnea. Symptoms include shortness of breath, gasping or choking, snorting, and sleepiness. You may also notice that your partner has trouble sleeping, or they have chosen to sleep in a different room.

High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which your breathing repeatedly stops during the night. This causes the blood pressure to increase as the body struggles to supply the rest of the body with enough oxygen. The more often this condition occurs, the higher the risk of hypertension. In addition, the increased stress on the cardiovascular system can also result in the development of diabetes, insulin resistance, and stroke.

Researchers at the NHLBI, part of the National Institutes of Health, have found that children with obstructive sleep apnea are three times more likely to develop high blood pressure in their adolescent years. Obstructive sleep apnea is an underdiagnosed disorder linked with cardiovascular disease, and studies have shown that 50% of people with OSA also have hypertension. According to the American Sleep Association, approximately 25 million adults in the United States have OSA. Of these, 9% to 20% of women and 23% of men suffer from OSA. Additionally, about 34% of people with OSA have high blood pressure.

Tongue Swelling

You may have sleep apnea if you notice your tongue is swollen at night. You’ll need to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis if this is the case. Fortunately, there are many sleep apnea treatment options available. Most of these treatments will ease your symptoms while figuring out the best way to breathe while sleeping.

Another warning sign of sleep apnea is a smaller jaw. This is caused by clenching and grinding during sleep. A dentist can examine your jaw to determine if you have sleep apnea. A scalloped tongue may also be a warning sign of sleep apnea. The tongue can also become swollen, worn down, or ripples.

The condition is caused by several causes, including genetic syndromes that affect the position of the tongue and facial bones. Some patients develop a narrow upper airway because of enlarged tonsils. Other causes include excess body fluid in the neck and neuromuscular conditions that interfere with chest muscles and brain signals that direct airflow. This sleep disorder can lead to heart failure, depression, and memory loss in severe cases.

If you notice that your tongue is swollen at night, you may have sleep apnea. Symptoms include snoring, fatigue, and moodiness. Having this condition can even lead to accidents. Fortunately, sleep apnea is highly treatable, and you can see a doctor for a proper diagnosis to figure out the best way to breathe while sleeping.

Tongue Drooping

Tongue drooping is an ailment that causes people to breathe less than they should. This condition can lead to various symptoms, including gasping, choking, and sleepiness. It can also affect a person‘s performance, so it’s essential to take the time to get checked out by a physician.

This disorder causes pauses in breathing while you sleep. These pauses can last up to ten seconds and cause you to wake up and restart your breathing. This can be dangerous since it leads to carbon dioxide buildup and fatigue. When you wake up, you may have difficulty concentrating or remembering things. These symptoms can also lead to a heart attack.

Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include gasping, choking, and snorting. You may also experience morning headaches or excessive sleepiness. If you have these symptoms regularly, it is a warning sign that you may have OSA. Even if it is not a warning sign, it may indicate underlying OSA. Your bed partner may notice this too.

Because of the reduced oxygen supply to the brain, sleep apnea can affect the brain and impair memory. In addition to having reduced memory, poor concentration, and energy levels, people with sleep apnea often experience mood and memory problems. If you struggle to focus during the day, this is a warning sign of sleep apnea.

Conclusion

People with sleep apnea in Boise, Idaho, often snore very loudly, stop repeatedly breathing during the night, and have trouble sleeping. People with sleep apnea rarely remember the episodes. They may wake up with symptoms such as choking, gagging, and headache. These symptoms are not the same for everyone. If you’re noticing any of these signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s time to seek medical attention. In addition to understanding sleep apnea symptoms, you should also be aware of the treatment options.