Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

How Can I Find Out if I Have Sleep Apnea? Common symptoms of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition in which the tissue at the back of your throat relaxes and blocks your airway while you sleep. Your breathing might stop and start again several times per night. Instead of getting a nice restful sleep, you wake up just as tired as when you went to bed. The condition can be very serious because your brain and organs aren’t getting the oxygen they need. This can lead to very Sleep Apneaserious problems including heart failure, stroke and memory difficulties.

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Sleepiness during the day
  • Waking with a choking or gasping feeling
  • Waking with a sore throat
  • Having a headache in the morning
  • Snoring loudly

Sleep apnea can lead to potentially life-threatening problems later on, so it’s vital you seek help. The specialists at Central ENT Consultants in Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland are the go-to experts in sleep apnea. They will evaluate your risk factors and symptoms, and may recommend an evaluation at a sleep laboratory.

You may be fitted with a CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine, which fits over your mouth and nose. It provides a continuous flow of air through your nose.

There are some things you can try at home. You should try to avoid sedatives or alcohol before sleep and you can also try sleeping on your side. Sometimes taking a nasal decongestant may help. You should also try to address some of the risk factors for sleep apnea. According to the Mayo Clinic, major risk factors such as:

  • Being overweight- makes you four times more likely to have sleep apnea
  • Smoking- makes you three times more likely to have sleep apnea
  • Family history- makes it more likely you will have sleep apnea

Remember that sleep apnea has the potential to shorten your life, so don’t wait! Come in and visit the experts at Central ENT Consultants in Hagerstown and Frederick, Maryland. You owe it to yourself to live a long and healthy life. Call today!