Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax too much and collapse, blocking the airway.
Lesser-Known Sleep Apnea Symptoms
You may already be aware that sleep apnea is associated with snoring, waking up gasping for air, and dry mouth. Sleep apnea is also linked with several lesser-known symptoms, such as:
- Irritability – Disruptions in sleep can cause fatigue, daytime drowsiness, and mood changes, such as depression and irritability.
- Memory Fog – Sleep apnea can cause difficulty with concentration, focusing, problem solving, and cognitive function.
- Headaches – Sleep apnea causes decreased oxygen levels, which can lead to headaches upon waking.
- Nocturia – Feeling the urge to pee several times during the night is linked with obstructive sleep apnea.
- Night Sweats – Excessive night sweats during sleep can be a byproduct of sleep apnea. The temporary halts in breathing can cause the body to have a stress response, which leads to an increased heart rate and sweating.
If you’re currently experiencing any of the symptoms above and can rule out other obvious diagnoses (like pregnancy), we recommend scheduling a consultation for a sleep study as soon as possible. A proper sleep apnea diagnosis can allow you to begin treating your sleep disorder so you can finally get the restorative sleep you deserve!
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Raleigh, NC
RespAir Sleep can recommend the right sleep apnea treatment for your situation, such as oral appliance therapy or combined sleep therapy with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. Tackling your sleep apnea can help improve your quality of sleep and your quality of life. Are you ready to book an appointment with our team? Please contact us today to schedule a consultation at RespAir Sleep!