Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common sleep disorders, so if you have not been feeling well-rested lately, you might wonder if you have this condition. An official sleep test is the only way to find out for sure. In the meantime, though, you may be able to determine if you should talk to your care provider about OSA. How can you do so? You should look for the four most common signs of sleep apnea:
You Are a Noisy Sleeper
Has your partner told you that you often snore, snort, or gasp during sleep? While an occasional strange noise might not be anything to worry about, frequent disruptions like this can signal that you have sleep apnea. You should be especially concerned if your partner says that your snoring is loud or that you sometimes stop breathing.
You Are a Restless Sleeper
Small movements during sleep can be normal. However, there may be a problem if you tend to kick or thrash a lot. You should also be concerned if you frequently wake up in a twisted pile of sheets and blankets. Large and frequent movements can be indicative of disrupted sleep that is caused by OSA.
You Always Feel Tired
Sadly, feeling tired is somewhat normalized in today’s busy world. However, it is not okay! If you make an effort to get 7 – 8 hours of rest every night, but you still feel constantly exhausted, there is likely an underlying problem. Sleep apnea might be to blame because it disrupts the sleep cycle and can prevent you from fully benefiting from the deeper stages of sleep.
You Have Common Risk Factors
Anyone can develop sleep apnea, but some people are at a higher risk than others. It may be wise to request a sleep test if you are obese; extra fat around the neck may place pressure on your airway and pose a threat to your ability to breathe well during sleep. Males, senior women, and people with frequent nasal congestion are also at an increased risk of sleep apnea.
Do you suspect that you have OSA? Talk to a qualified care provider as soon as possible to learn about your next steps.
Meet the Practice
Dr. David J. Drummond is a sleep dentist with many years of experience in his field. He specializes in providing custom oral appliances to treat obstructive sleep apnea. He and our team also offer convenient at-home sleep testing. If you believe you have OSA or would like to learn more about our services, contact our Lawton, OK, office at 580-355-0344.