Hidden Signs of Sleep Apnea

You may know the obvious signs of obstructive sleep apnea – a condition where you often stop breathing while you sleep, which wakes you up several times a night (sometimes without you even realizing it). Loud snoring, being extremely tired all day even when you think you’ve had a full night’s sleep the night before, dry mouth, and morning headaches are the commonly known symptoms. However, there are a few other signs of sleep apnea that are not as well known.

The lesser known symptoms of sleep apnea

Are you wondering if you are just having some restless nights or if it’s something more serious? Here are some other signs that your problem may be sleep apnea:

• You wake up to urinate twice or more per night. Doctors are beginning to use this as sign that you may have sleep apnea.

• You have dramatic mood changes, and then more serious problems arise. Anyone will get grumpy if they don’t get enough sleep, but lack of sleep over many, many nights because of sleep apnea can lead to serious mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

• Your sex drive is low. Obstructive sleep apnea can affect the sex life of both men and women, as sleep is when sex hormones increase.

• Acid reflux, a condition where the acids from the stomach back up into the esophagus and cause irritation. Researchers aren’t sure what comes first – the sleep apnea or the acid reflux – but there does seem to be a link. It is estimated that about half of the people with sleep apnea also have acid reflux, and when sleep apnea is treated it seems to treat acid reflux as well.

If you are having trouble staying awake all day or you have any of these other signs of sleep apnea, call eos dental sleep. The staff can diagnose what is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep and then can help you to find a solution – it may be as simple as an oral appliance that helps you to breathe better at night. Call the office in Philadelphia at (215) 241-0700 for an appointment today!