While snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea, it's not the only indicator. It's important to note that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur many times throughout the night.
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Loud and chronic snoring.
- Gasping or choking during sleep.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue.
- Morning headaches.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Irritability.
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings during the night.
- Difficulty staying asleep.
- Decreased libido or sexual dysfunction.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional, such as a sleep specialist, who can conduct a sleep study or other diagnostic tests to determine whether sleep apnea is present. Sleep apnea can have serious health consequences, so early diagnosis and treatment are important. Don't assume you don't have sleep apnea solely based on the absence of snoring; a proper evaluation is necessary.
Most insurance plans cover our treatments. We offer FREE SCREENINGS to see if you are at RISK for Snoring or Sleep Apnea. Request Appointment.