Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. But if you wake up tired no matter how early you go to bed, you may be dealing with something more serious than just poor sleep habits. Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed condition that affects millions of people. It occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, depriving your body and brain of oxygen. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Recognizing the warning signs early is the first step toward getting the sleep apnea treatment you need for better rest and better health.
Constant Fatigue and Daytime Sleepiness
One of the most common signs of sleep apnea is feeling exhausted throughout the day, even after a full night in bed. People with sleep apnea often wake up dozens or even hundreds of times during the night without realizing it. Each time breathing stops, the brain momentarily wakes the body to resume breathing, disrupting the sleep cycle. These interruptions prevent you from reaching the deep, restorative stages of sleep that your body needs. As a result, you may find yourself struggling to stay awake during meetings, while watching TV, or even when driving.
Loud, Chronic Snoring
While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and persistent snoring is one of the most recognizable warning signs. The sound is caused by the vibration of soft tissues in the airway as it becomes partially blocked. Partners often notice the snoring first, sometimes describing it as choking, gasping, or snorting sounds during sleep. If you’ve been told your snoring is loud enough to disturb others or if it’s accompanied by pauses in breathing, it’s a strong indicator that you may need to be evaluated for sleep apnea.
Morning Headaches and Dry Mouth
Waking up with headaches or a dry mouth can also signal that something is wrong. When breathing stops repeatedly during the night, the oxygen level in your blood drops. This can lead to blood vessel changes and pressure that trigger morning headaches. At the same time, people with sleep apnea often breathe through their mouths during sleep, leading to dryness and irritation. If you find yourself constantly reaching for water in the morning or dealing with dull headaches after waking, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
Trouble Concentrating and Memory Problems
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect your physical health. It can also take a toll on your mental sharpness. Because your brain is repeatedly deprived of oxygen during the night, cognitive functions such as focus, memory, and decision-making can suffer. Many people describe feeling “foggy” or forgetful, struggling to recall names, tasks, or appointments. These symptoms are often mistaken for stress or aging, but chronic sleep deprivation from sleep apnea is frequently the underlying cause.
Mood Changes and Irritability
Poor sleep quality can have a profound impact on your emotional well-being. People with untreated sleep apnea often report feeling unusually irritable, anxious, or depressed. The lack of restful sleep disrupts hormone regulation and can intensify mood swings. If you’ve noticed that you’re more short-tempered than usual or that small problems feel overwhelming, it could be a sign that your sleep health needs attention.
High Blood Pressure and Other Health Issues
Sleep apnea doesn’t just make you tired. It can also strain your heart and other organs. The repeated drops in oxygen trigger the release of stress hormones that raise blood pressure and increase inflammation. Over time, this can contribute to heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure that doesn’t respond well to medication, sleep apnea might be playing a role.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Hampton Roads, VA
At Coastal Sleep & TMJ, we understand the connection between your oral health and overall health. If you experience chronic fatigue, a sore jaw, or frequent headaches, sleep apnea could be the culprit. And with a custom oral appliance, you could find symptom relief. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your sleep apnea treatment options.