Sleep apnea is a chronic sleeping disorder in which people repeatedly stop and start breathing. This issue often occurs because of nasal obstructions, but often goes unnoticed. So, how do you know if you have sleep apnea?
That is what this article will uncover. Millions of men and women in the United States struggle with sleep apnea. Let’s consider the symptoms.
Sleep Apnea – an Underdiagnosed Issue
Many people tend to chalk sleep apnea symptoms such as fatigue up to their busy lifestyles, not connecting the dots that might indicate a potentially severe sleeping disorder. Not everyone realizes what sleep apnea is and how dangerous it can be.
The problem that plagues over 22 million Americans living with obstructive sleep apnea can be scary. Out of this large group of people, around 80% are undiagnosed. However, when patients realize they have this disorder, they can drastically improve their quality of life with treatment.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Hypersomnia: If you find yourself chronically tired or constantly yawning, even after a full night’s sleep, your brain is not receiving enough oxygen due to obstructed breathing while sleeping.
- Headaches in the morning: You should awaken ready for the day. If you suffer from morning headaches, you didn’t sleep well.
- Insomnia: When you have difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep throughout the night, you have a sleeping disorder. Not getting enough sleep produces stress on the heart and the brain to function without sufficient recovery and daily rest. If you frequently wake up at night or have trouble dropping off to dreamland, talk to your doctor about whether you have sleep apnea.
- Loud snoring: Snoring is one of the most common sleep apnea symptoms and results from a nasal blockage that obstructs your airflow.
- Waking up confused: Waking up disoriented during the night is a symptom of sleep apnea. You may tend to wake while gasping for air.
- Not breathing during sleep: If you sleep with a partner, they may notice your breathing has stopped because your chest doesn’t rise or fall.
- Sluggish while awake: If you struggle to concentrate or find yourself dozing off while driving or at work, you need to consult your physician.
What Are the Cures?
Though a deviated septum is not the only issue causing sleep apnea, it is one of the most common. Therefore, deviated septum rhinoplasty is a frequent treatment to resolve sleep apnea. This procedure combines the surgical dissection of excessive cartilage and bone for sufficient breathing. It can also improve facial aesthetics by altering the shape and size of the nose for balance and symmetry.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Derrick Gale also offers Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation to help his patients sleep better and resolve disrupted sleep patterns.
Learn More
If breathing issues disrupt your sleep at night and wreak havoc on your alertness and energy by day, contact Dr. Gale to get tested. Schedule a free sleep apnea consultation online or by calling (801) 506-6344 today!