Sleep Apnea Warning Signs

Dr. Tom Northway works closely with the physicians at area sleep centers and is trained to recognize and treat sleep apnea. The information provided here is intended to increase your knowledge about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of sleep apnea. If you think you might be at risk, please contact Northway Family Dentistry today for an appointment and possible referral to a local sleep center.

Warning Signs in Adults

• Excessively loud snoring which can be heard rooms away (or even by neighbors)
• A pattern of snoring interrupted by pauses, then gasps
• Falling asleep at the wrong times, such as at work or while driving
• Trouble concentrating, or becoming forgetful, irritable, anxious or depressed
• Morning headaches or nausea, frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate at night, and loss of interest in sex
• Impotence or menstrual irregularities

These problems usually appear slowly and progress over many years, so that the patient may not recognize the symptoms. Sometimes the patient thinks the symptoms are just from getting older or are not serious. Family members, employers or coworkers may be the first to recognize a pattern of excessive sleepiness and/or changes in mood or behavior, and should encourage a visit to a healthcare professional.

What Happens If I Am Not Treated?

The most common complaint of people with obstructive sleep apnea is excessive sleepiness. The sleepiness is most often felt when the person with obstructive sleep apnea is sitting still or not active, either physically or mentally. He or she may be unable to remain awake or to concentrate while reading or watching TV, even if they are interested in the material. Driving an automobile can be difficult because of the urge to sleep, and people with obstructive sleep apnea have automobile accidents due to dozing or inattention.

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea has other consequences for health and well-being besides sleepiness.

Medical science is learning that treatment of obstructive sleep apnea can reduce or eliminate these risks. In many cases, the patient feels the benefits, such as reduced sleepiness and better mood, quickly after treatment begins. For an evaluation and possible referral to a local sleep disorders center, contact Northway Family Dentistry today.

The above information is provided by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s wellness booklet, “Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Snoring,” copyright 2007.