Sleep is essential for good health, yet many individuals struggle with finding restful, quality sleep. One sleep disorder that commonly affects people’s lives is sleep apnea. This condition can have a great impact on the quality of your life and can cause symptoms like daytime fatigue, lack of energy, concentration problems and poor memory. If you are having any of these issues or simply want to understand more about this sleeping disorder then keep reading! In this blog post, we will discuss 10 warning signs that could indicate a possible case of sleep apnea so you can take the necessary steps toward improving your sleeping habits.

1. Loud Snoring: Loud snoring can often be a sign of sleep apnea and is one of the most common symptoms associated with this condition. If your partner or roommate notices that your nightly snoring has become increasingly louder, this might be an indication of a deeper problem. 
2. Morning Headaches: Do you often wake up in the morning with a headache? This could be a symptom of sleep apnea and should not be ignored as it could mean that you are struggling to get enough oxygen while sleeping. 
3. Gagging in your sleep: People who suffer from sleep apnea may have difficulty breathing during sleep due to a blocked airway. This can cause them to gag or choke in their sleep, which can be an indication of a more serious issue with their airways.  
4. Dry Mouth or Sore Throat: If you often wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat, this could be a sign that your airways are being blocked while you sleep and not allowing enough oxygen to get into your lungs. 
5. Intermittent pauses in breathing while sleeping: One of the most telltale signs of sleep apnea is experiencing episodes where you stop breathing during sleep. These pauses in breath can last for a few seconds up to minutes and typically occur several times throughout the night. Over time, these episodes can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness due to a lack of restful sleep from being constantly interrupted by pauses in breathing. 
6. Restless Sleep: Do you find yourself constantly tossing and turning throughout the night? This is sometimes referred to as “restless sleep” and could be caused by sleep apnea due to frequent pauses in breathing during the night. 
7. Decreased Sex Drive: One of the more unexpected symptoms of sleep apnea can be a decrease in sex drive due to a lack of energy, motivation and fatigue.
8. Overwhelming fatigue during the day: People with sleep apnea are often extremely tired during the day and may have difficulty staying awake or concentrating on tasks. They may even fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as during meetings or while driving. 
9. Irritability: If you find yourself becoming easily irritated or having difficulty focusing on tasks at hand this could be caused by an underlying sleeping disorder like sleep apnea. 
10. High Blood Pressure: Research has shown that high blood pressure can often be linked to individuals who also experience sleep apnea as it can affect your breath during the night and lead to increased blood pressure. 

It is important to note that these warning signs can be caused by other conditions or simply lack of sleep due to lifestyle choices, however, if you find yourself experiencing any combination of these symptoms then it may be time to consult your doctor and undergo a sleep study. Sleep apnea should not be taken lightly as it has been linked to serious health issues like diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Here at Renova Smiles, we are committed to providing unparalleled support for sleep apnea sufferers so they can improve their overall quality of life. Our dentists will fit you with a custom-designed oral appliance that you wear while you sleep. The appliance helps your jaw move forward so that the tongue and other tissues don’t obstruct oxygen flow. Everyone deserves restful and uninterrupted sleep; don’t let sleep apnea put a damper on your good night’s rest by contacting us today!