Sleep Apnea In Adults: Knowing The Warning Signs Can Save Your Life

Understanding the symptoms and warning signs of adult sleep apnea could save your life or someone you love. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly while sleeping. One of the most common types of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. It is often caused when the soft tissues in your throat collapse and block the airway during sleep. This may also lead to snoring in some people.

What many people don’t realize is the causes for sleep apnea are actually tied to your oral anatomy and the blockage of your upper airway. In fact, Dr. Cantwell can easily screen for many symptoms of sleep apnea during your dental exam in Magna, UT. There are several sleep apnea symptoms that should not be ignored and most often they indicate a more serious medical condition waiting to be diagnosed. 

 

ADULT SLEEP APNEA SYMPTOMS

So, how do you know if you have adult sleep apnea? A clinical sleep study or take-home sleep study will be needed for a formal diagnosis; however, there are many signs/symptoms that are good indicators. It is important to be aware of any of the following symptoms:

(1) LARGE NECK OR WEIGHT GAIN

Obstructive sleep apnea, one of the more common forms of sleep apnea is where the throat muscles relax & constrict the upper airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is more common in people with excess tissue around their throat or people with a higher body mass index. You may even notice you have a larger neck than most or visibly large tonsils.

(2) DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING OR DEPRESSION

Do you feel like you are easily distracted? And do you feel like your mood has been down? Maybe even depressed at times? Individuals who do not get quality sleep or sufficient oxygen when they sleep, often experience changes in metabolism and brain dysfunction. It’s really quite simple. Your body can’t perform at its peak without a complete recharge each night. Your ability to concentrate, brain function, and feeling depressed, all tie back to your quality of sleep.

(3) FREQUENTLY TIRED OR FATIGUED 

Do you still feel tired when you wake up in the morning? Is it hard for you to get out of bed? Do you also feel like it’s hard to stay awake while sitting, driving, or at work? Those with sleep apnea will often feel tired all day, even from the moment they wake up.

(4) WORN TEETH AND BRUXISM

When oxygen is scarce, our bodies have a natural tendency to clench our jaws and grind our teeth; also known as bruxism. This “bruxing” effect can lead to tooth wear and damaged dental work. Your teeth may even become flattened and have sharp edges where the enamel is wearing.

(5) HEADACHES, MIGRAINES, OR TMJ PAIN

Individuals with sleep apnea will often experience chronic headaches or migraines from the constant tension they experience throughout the night. Grinding and teeth clenching can also lead to jaw or face pain, as well as problems within the jaw joint (TMJ).

(6) HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART DISEASE

Untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact your cardiovascular health. Many people with high blood pressure or heart disease do not realize their sleep disorder may be contributing to their condition. Unfortunately, those who have untreated sleep apnea have a significant higher chance of a fatal heart attack or stroke. 

ADULT SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT IN MAGNA, UTAH

Dr. Cantwell will routinely check for sleep disorders and adult sleep apnea during your dental exam. Cyprus Family Dental in Magna, UT can help you determine whether you have a sleep-related condition. From there, Dr. Cantwell may recommend sleep apnea treatment (in Magna) such as a custom dental appliance that keeps your airway open so you can breathe easily all night. Call Cyprus Family Dental today at (801) 250-0203 to reserve an exam and sleep screening!