When you don’t get enough signs of sleep apnea, it can leave you feeling exhausted and irritable during the day. If this occurs often, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. You may also notice that you feel sleepy or sluggish all the time, even after getting a full night’s rest. In addition, a person with sleep apnea has reductions or pauses in their breathing for short periods while they are asleep. These lapses can cause a person to wake up and then quickly go back to sleep, which can lead to poor-quality sleep.
Loud snoring is one of the most common signs that someone has sleep apnea. However, it is important to know that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. People with obstructive sleep apnea have a narrow throat that can become blocked during sleep by the relaxed muscles in the upper airway. This can be caused by the uvula (the triangular piece of tissue hanging from the soft palate), tonsils, or the tongue. People who have a thick neck or large tonsils are at a higher risk of having this problem.
Central Connecticut Orofacial Sleep Medicine: Your Partner in Sleep Apnea Treatment
Other symptoms include memory problems or trouble concentrating. Some people who have sleep apnea also experience headaches in the morning. This is because a person doesn’t get enough oxygen in their sleep, and the lack of oxygen causes tension in the jaw or head. People who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping — a condition known as bruxism — are also at an increased risk for sleep apnea.