One of the best ways to preserve your physical and mental health is to get a peaceful night’s sleep. Physicians insist on patients getting at least eight hours of sleep at night to improve their brain function. However, patients with sleep apnea The Woodlands have problems remaining alert during the day because they have interrupted sleep due to their condition. This sleep-related breathing disorder involves airway blockage during sleep that causes patients to experience repeated stopping and starting of breath when unconscious. Fortunately, there are treatments to manage sleep apnea and improve a patient’s sleep. However, it is essential to detect early signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and seek medical assistance before the condition worsens and causes complications.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
One of the earliest signs of sleep apnea is snoring. However, not all patients who snore have sleep apnea. It is essential to seek medical assistance if you have severe snoring to get an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of your condition and receive appropriate treatment, especially if you have obstructive sleep apnea, which is a hazard. Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Daytime sleepiness: Patients with sleep apnea have to wake up during the night, thus interrupting their deep sleep, contributing to restfulness and alertness. If you notice you are having problems staying awake during the day, you should inform a doctor of your concerns to determine if sleep apnea is the cause of your sleep problems, especially if you also snore at night.
- High blood pressure: Patients who do not get enough rest at night risk developing cardiovascular complications like heart blood pressure.
- Mood changes: Most patients report experiencing mental health concerns that might result from their interrupted sleep.
- Decreased libido: It is difficult to enjoy or want to have sex when you have not slept well.
- Morning headache: Without enough rest, the brain cannot function properly, and patients experience morning headaches when they wake up.
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat: Patients have to sleep with their mouths open because their airways are not letting in enough air. For this reason, it is not unusual for patients with sleep apnea to wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat due to insufficient lubrication.
When should you see a doctor for your sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition that can cause severe complications if a patient does not seek immediate intervention. It is essential to detect signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in their early stages and seek emergency intervention to manage your condition and improve your sleep. If you have a partner that complains of your loud snoring or you keep falling asleep when performing critical tasks like driving, it may be time to seek professional help. There are various sleep apnea treatments that physicians recommend depending on individual needs.
Contact Scott Young to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment if your sleep apnea is interrupting your sleep and interfering with your performance at work.
