Sleep Apnea Symptoms You Might Be Overlooking
Many adults live with sleep apnea for years without realizing it. The signs often appear gradually, and most people assume they are simply tired or stressed. Subtle symptoms like morning headaches, daytime fatigue, or irritability can feel unrelated to sleep, yet they may point to a deeper issue. Recognizing these early clues can help you seek treatment sooner and protect your long-term health.
At eos dental sleep in Philadelphia, Dr. Marc Levin helps adults identify and treat sleep apnea with comfortable solutions that do not rely on a CPAP mask. Dr. Levin graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. His advanced training allows him to create custom oral appliances that support quieter, easier breathing during sleep.
Morning Headaches and Dry Mouth
Many people with sleep apnea wake up feeling unrefreshed, even after a full night in bed. Morning headaches are a common yet often-ignored sign. These headaches can come from repeated breathing pauses during sleep. Dry mouth is another symptom, especially in people who breathe through their mouths to compensate for a narrowed airway.
Daytime Fatigue and Trouble Concentrating
Sleep apnea disrupts deep, restorative sleep. Even if you do not remember waking up at night, your body may struggle to stay asleep for long periods. This can lead to:
- Daytime sleepiness: Feeling tired or drowsy throughout the day.
- Difficulty concentrating: Trouble staying focused, completing tasks, or remembering details.
- Mood changes: Irritability or low motivation.
These symptoms often blend into daily life, making it easy to overlook them as simple exhaustion.
Snoring and Pauses in Breathing
Snoring is one of the most noticeable signs of sleep apnea. However, many people dismiss it as normal or harmless. Snoring can indicate blocked airflow, especially when paired with gasping or choking sounds or observed pauses in breathing. A sleep partner often notices these signs first.
If you live alone, recording your sleep or using a sleep tracking device can reveal breathing disruptions you may not be aware of.
Waking Up Often During the Night
Many people with sleep apnea wake up repeatedly without understanding why. They may feel restless, overheated, or out of breath. These awakenings interrupt deep sleep, which is why many adults feel tired even after spending eight hours in bed.
Signs of nighttime disruption can include:
- Frequent bathroom trips: Waking up often to urinate.
- Restlessness: Tossing and turning throughout the night.
- Dry or sore throat: From sleeping with an open mouth.
Noticing patterns like these can help you identify the need for evaluation.
Find Relief from Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you recognize these overlooked signs, eos dental sleep can help you get answers and feel better. Contact Dr. Marc Levin in Philadelphia at (215) 241-0700 to schedule a consultation and learn how oral appliance therapy can improve your sleep and daily life.