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Sleep apnea is a sleeping and respiratory disorder in which a person suddenly stops breathing several times throughout the night. The disorder may be caused by throat muscles that are too relaxed (obstructive sleep apnea), or the brain’s inability to signal the muscles that control breathing (central sleep apnea).

Some patients have a condition known as complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of both obstructive and central apneas. This condition is most often characterized by heavy snoring, but there are other symptoms as well. Below are five of the most prominent ones.

5 Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

1. Loud Snoring

Not all snoring is a sign of sleep apnea, but loud or heavy snoring that can wake you or a partner is cause for concern. This type of snoring, accompanied by stretches of silence, may indicate your body is not getting enough oxygen while you sleep.

2. Excessive Daytime Drowsiness

In addition to heavy snoring during the night, many patients have difficulty staying awake during the day. This is caused by poor quality of sleep as a result of limited oxygen intake. Some patients experience this drowsiness even after a full night’s sleep.

3. Breathing Cessation

It is not uncommon for sleep apnea patients to suddenly stop breathing while sleeping. The breathing cessation may be consistent throughout the night or occur just a few times. This symptom is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to asphyxiation.

4. Insomnia

sleep apneaWhile many patients experience daytime drowsiness, others have difficulty falling and staying asleep. This is often caused by the body jolting itself awake in response to breathing cessation. Insomnia can result in irritability and a short attention span, so it’s crucial to treat the cause as soon as possible.

5. Shortness of Breath

Some patients report waking in the middle of the night gasping for air or experiencing shortness of breath. This is one of the more serious symptoms of sleep apnea, and it indicates the patient is not getting enough oxygen while they sleep.

 

If you or your partner experiences any of the symptoms listed above, you should be screened and treated for sleep apnea. This condition can be treated by Carter S. Yokoyama, D.D.S., a sleep dentistry specialist in Kailua Kona, HI. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Yokoyama today, call (808) 322-0101. For more information on the dental care services offered by this clinic, including general and cosmetic dentistry, visit the website.

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