What Are the Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea?

Do you wake up tired with a dry mouth or snore too loudly? There are chances that you may be dealing with sleep apnea. It can result in poor immune functioning, mental health issues, heart diseases, and memory loss.

Our doctor at the sleep clinic near you will assess your condition depending on the exam, symptoms, and tests. They might also refer you to an expert sleep specialist for further evaluation.

Read below to know the telltale signs of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The common signs of the condition are:

• Depression.
• Headache.
• Sore throat or dry mouth when waking up.
• Snoring.
• Difficulty in concentrating.
• Irritability.
• Poor memory.
• Sweating at night.
• Waking up suddenly after choking.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Constant peeing at night.
• Restlessness while sleeping.
• Regular awakening at night.
• Sleepiness or fatigue.
• Exhaustion in the daytime.

Adults with central sleep apnea have signs that are not clear. Warning signs include:

• Bad performance in school.
• Behavioral and learning disorders.
• A lot of sweating at night.
• Bedwetting.
• Breathing via mouth during daytime.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Strange sleep positions (for example – sleeping with the neck hyperextended, sleeping on the knees, etc.).

How Do I Get Rid of Sleep Apnea?

Here are some tips to follow to say bye-bye to sleep apnea:

• • Quit Smoking and Alcohol Use

There are some lifestyle changes you can make to promote better sleep. For example, you can avoid the intake of alcohol and quit smoking. Tobacco results in swelling in the airways. It allows you to snore and makes sleep apnea worse.

Similarly, alcohol relaxes the muscles of the throat that controls breathing. This results in an interrupted sleep cycle, snoring, and inflammation in the airways. Consider this tip will help you lower the risk of sleep apnea.

• • Buy a Humidifier

Dry air causes discomfort in the respiratory system. Using a humidifier can reduce congestion and promote free breathing. Make sure you clean your appliance on time because it can collect bacteria, mold, and grime. You can also add anti-inflammatory oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender.

• • Maintain a Slim Silhouette

One method to lower sleep apnea signs is to maintain a healthy figure. Obesity in the upper body blocks the airway and narrow nasal passages. It results in gasping for air or snoring.

• • Try Magnesium

Increase magnesium levels in your body by taking magnesium supplements and consuming foods rich in magnesium (seeds, avocados, spinach, and kale). You can also enjoy Epsom salt baths before sleeping. But make sure you speak to your doctor at Taylor Made Sleep before having any magnesium supplement, mainly if you are consuming other medicines or have any pre-existing condition.

• • Consider Proper Exercises

Practice a few breathing exercises to make your heart strong and boost energy levels. For example, yoga promotes oxygen flow and makes the respiratory system strong. It ultimately reduces sleep apnea to a great extent and improves your overall health too.

Oropharyngeal exercises (throat exercises) can lower the severity of snoring. There are many kinds of throat exercises – singing and yelling.

• • Switch on the Thermostat

Thermostat use is a perfect way to stay comfortable and relax that night. The best temperature for sleeping is 60-67 deg fah. One study has found that individuals with sleep apnea had better sleep when the room temperature was 61 deg fah.

• • Use Oral Equipment

Oral devices are another effective way to treat sleep apnea. Even the American academy of dental sleep medicine supports it. They can be OTC, tailored by the dentist, or affordable.

Oral devices are divided into two categories known as tongue stabilizing devices and mandibular advancement devices. They work by repositioning the tongue and jaw to keep airways open while sleeping.

Is Sleep Apnea Serious?

Sleep apnea stops breathing for some time while sleeping. It is a chronic condition that does not go away on its own. It means sleep apnea in children and adults requires treatment.

Sleep apnea usually ranges from mild to severe, depending on the number of breathing stops per hour. The condition reduces your quality of life.

If your breathing stops and restarts more than 30 times in one hour, you have severe sleep apnea and need immediate sleep apnea treatment in Mesa, AZ.