Are You Dealing with Sleep Apnea?

Find out if your daytime exhaustion and snoring could be the result of a sleep disorder.

Your partner tells you that you snore all the time and that it’s so loud that it keeps them up at night. While this might sound like an amusing story that happens to many couples, for some snorers, these symptoms are unfortunately due to a sleep disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea which causes pauses in breath or shallow breathing throughout the night. Read on to learn whether you might have sleep apnea, and if you are concerned about having the condition, contact Wake Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists in Cary, NC, for treatment!

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It isn’t always easy to determine whether or not you are dealing with sleep apnea, particularly since symptoms only occur while you are sleeping; If your partner has noticed pauses in your breath while sleeping or that you gasp for air in the middle of the night, these are serious warning signs of sleep apnea and you should have your ENT doctor evaluate you immediately.

Other warning signs of sleep apnea include,

Extreme daytime fatigue
Persistent sore throat
Headaches in the morning
Restless sleep or insomnia
Trouble concentrating
Irritability or mood swings
Decreased sex drive
While a lot of these symptoms can be indicative of other issues, if you are having trouble sleeping as well as experiencing some of these symptoms, then it’s worth a closer look into what’s going on.

Why You Should See a Doctor

If you do have sleep apnea and you don’t receive proper treatment, it can lead to some serious long-term health problems. In fact, untreated sleep apnea has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and chronic respiratory disorders. This is why you shouldn’t put off seeing a doctor if you suspect that you might have the condition.

Treating Sleep Apnea

The most common treatment option for sleep apnea is CPAP therapy (continuous positive airway pressure), where a nosepiece is worn to deliver pressurized air to keep the passages open while you are asleep. Those with mild obstructive sleep apnea may also turn to oral appliance therapy to manage their symptoms.

Concerned? Give Us a Call!

If you suspect that your symptoms may be caused by sleep apnea, then it’s a good time to call Wake Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists in Cary, NC, to schedule an evaluation with otolaryngologist Dr. Pankaj Gupta and audiologist Dr. Casey Polcari. Let us help you get better quality sleep, by dialing (919) 851-5636.