Obstructive sleep apnea can bring about numerous health issues, including negatively affecting your heart. Think of this, you entered an underwater breath-holding competition, and after just a couple of seconds, you rise to the surface gasping for air. How would you feel? You’d most likely feel exhausted, and your heart rate will speed up. Having sleep apnea in Cary NC can give you that gasping for air feeling every time you wake up.
Symptoms and Causes of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
What Are the Symptoms of OSA?
Obstructive sleep apnea is probably one of the most severe sleep disorders. It causes your breathing to frequently stop as you sleep. There are various symptoms that indicate you have sleep apnea. The most common symptoms are the following:
- Decreased libido
- Nighttime sweating
- High blood pressure
- Mood changes like irritability and depression
- Hard time concentrating during the day and night
- Morning Headaches
- Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Abrupt awakenings followed by choking or gasping
- Frequent breathing disturbances
- Loud snoring
- Excessive sleepiness during the day
What Are the Causes of OSA?
This severe sleep disorder occurs when the muscles at the back of your throat loosen up to allow normal breathing. Once your muscles loosen up, your airway closes or narrows down as you breathe, resulting in inadequate breathing. Likewise, it may lead to the lowering of the level of oxygen in your blood. When your brain senses this impaired breathing, it will wake you up to reopen your airway. Often, this process is so brief that you won’t even remember it.
Additionally, OSA is more likely to be experienced by older individuals and those who are overweight. Research shows that weight loss enhances your body to steer away from the risks of sleep apnea. Sleeping on your back can also increase the risk of developing sleep apnea.
Treat your Sleep Apnea in Cary NC
Sleep apnea is a manageable condition. At Beavers Dentistry, we can help you develop a plan to do just that!