Do I Suffer From OSA?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that affects nearly 22 million Americans. Receiving a professional diagnosis is key to properly discovering if you suffer from sleep apnea. Although there are specific symptoms that can lead to a proper professional diagnosis, OSA is difficult to self-diagnose and can go undetected for years.
Often, it is the partner of an individual with sleep apnea who brings their attention to the condition. The most common sign of your OSA is severe snoring, but because snoring is so ordinary for many people, they don’t realize there may be a bigger issue. Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Fatigue and sleepiness
- Grogginess/drowsiness throughout the day
- Morning headaches
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nocturia
- Dry mouth or a sore throat in the morning
- Night sweating
- Waking up at night short of breath
- Falling asleep unintentionally during the day
Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Leaving your sleep apnea untreated can greatly impact your general health. There have been numerous risks found to be impacted by sleep apnea and some, unfortunately, are unalterable. Your age and gender are two invariable factors that may relate to the sleeping condition; Specifically, older patients and men are at higher risk for sleep apnea. Others risk factors include depression, obesity, family history, smoking and drinking, and nasal congestion.
Major health risks that may occur from untreated sleep apnea include heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, and possible complications with prescription medications. These are harmful risks you shouldn’t be willing to take. Dr. Guinn will work hard with your local physician to diagnose and treat your sleep apnea so you don’t have to go another day increasing any possible damage.
Sleep Apnea and Your Wellbeing
Getting a good night’s rest can greatly change your world. Those who are lacking a deep sleep are being affected both physically and emotionally. Sleep apnea will affect your quality of life and mental health if you don’t seek treatment. Dr. Guinn and her Pasadena team want to provide you with a more refreshing life with treatments for sleep apnea like an oral appliance.
If you are unsure you may be suffering from this sleeping condition, contact us today so we can refer you to a physician who can properly diagnose you. Generally, a sleep study or at-home sleep test are used to identify the issue and then you’ll be recommended various treatment based on your needs. If you have already tried CPAP and are seeking an alternative, look into our oral appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep Apnea
What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Some of the most common signs of OSA are:
- Loud snoring
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Memory loss
- Pauses of breath at night
- Insomnia
- Morning headaches
What Can Happen If Sleep Apnea Goes Untreated?
Untreated sleep apnea can lead to an array of adverse complications, including:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Memory problems
- Weight gain
- Impotence
- Headaches