Sleep disorders can range in seriousness. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition in which your breathing stops and starts while you are sleeping due to your throat muscles tightening and relaxing intermittently. It is also the most common form of sleep apnea, and snoring is the most obvious and loudest symptom.
Sleep Apnea Red Flags
Do not ignore the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea:
- Loud and excessive snoring
- Waking headaches
- Issues with concentration
- High blood pressure
- Excessive sleepiness
- Others noticing stops and starts in your breathing during sleep
- Awakening while gasping or choking
- Waking with a sore throat or dry mouth
- Sweating while sleeping
- Decreased sex drive or erective dysfunction
When You Notice These Signs, See a Doctor
If you or your partner notice any of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, consult a sleep specialist in Canada. While it’s possible that your snoring is unrelated to sleep apnea, don’t take chances on your health. Snoring loudly then suddenly falling silent can be an indicator of a sleep disorder.
Risk Factors for Developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a disorder that anyone can develop. However, diminishing the following risk factors can reduce your chances.
- Narrow airways: People can inherit narrow airways or may develop an obstruction due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, which can be corrected with surgery.
- Chronic congestion: If you have constant nasal congestion, you are twice as likely to develop sleep apnea.
- Smoking: Cigarettes and vapes may result in sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
- Excess weight: Fat deposits in the airway can obstruct breathing. Excess weight is one of the leading causes of sleep apnea, though overly thin people can also be at risk for sleep disorders.
Do not ignore the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleep disorders can cause mood swings, memory loss, chronic headaches, and more serious complications. Getting a good night’s sleep is important to leading a quality life. Contact a sleep specialist in Canada for help today.
