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Sleep Apnea Symptoms
& Your Health

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Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

Frequent and loud snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone who snores suffers from the sleep disorder. Additional symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Daytime fatigue
  • Lack of energy
  • Insomnia
  • Gasping for air during the night
  • Excessive drowsiness
  • Impaired memory
  • Reduced libido
  • Irritability
  • Waking up with a sore/dry throat
  • Frequent urination
  • Morning headaches
  • Anxiety and depression
Man at desk with computer in front, glasses held in one hand, and other hand rubbing between his tired eyes

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Overweight female standing and stretching with one leg behind her in runner’s pose and hands on hips

Traditionally, sleep disordered breathing was believed to be more common in men and risk increased with age. However, we are starting to find signs and symptoms of sleep disordered breathing present in many younger men and women.

There are additional factors that may magnify your likelihood of developing sleep apnea. These include family history, obesity, nasal congestion, smoking or tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Serious Health Consequences

Not only does sleep apnea impair the quality of your rest, but it also compromises the state of your mental and physical health. The disorder causes a drop in sufficient oxygen levels, impacting your ability to complete everyday tasks.

The lack of oxygen and sleep weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to disease, infection, and even mental disorders. This increases your risk of experiencing:

  • Heart disease and strokes
  • High blood pressure
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 Diabetes
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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of sleep apnea are there?
How can I reduce my risk of sleep apnea?
What happens during a sleep study?
What if I don’t seek treatment for sleep apnea?
What types of sleep apnea are there?

There’s two different types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). OSA is the most common form of the sleep disorder, occurring when the throat muscles relax while you sleep. This causes an obstruction in the airway and prevents you from breathing repeatedly throughout the night.

The less common type of sleep apnea is CSA, which happens when the brain doesn’t signal your body to breathe. This causes you to stop breathing for short periods of time, resulting in a shortness of breath and difficulty falling asleep.

How can I reduce my risk of sleep apnea?

Making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce sleep apnea symptoms and increase the effectiveness of professional treatment. Several natural remedies that have been proven to be beneficial include:

  • Adopting a nutritional, well-balanced diet
  • Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight
  • Changing your sleep position, also known as positional therapy
  • Using a humidifier to open your airway
  • Avoiding smoking and tobacco use
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
What happens during a sleep study?

A sleep study, or polysomnography, is the only way to diagnose sleep disorders including sleep apnea. It’s a non-invasive, overnight test that monitors your brain and body, along with any possible disruptions in the pattern of your sleep. You can choose to take a sleep study in a sleep clinic or from the comfort of your own home.

During a sleep study, an electroencephalogram, commonly referred to as an EEG, will measure your heart rate, snoring, body movements, breathing, and more. Most tests require at least seven hours of sleep to ensure an accurate diagnosis. The data will then be evaluated by a certified sleep physician to help determine the best course of treatment.

What if I don’t seek treatment for sleep apnea?

Unfortunately, sleep apnea doesn’t go away on its own and can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health if left untreated. If you don’t seek treatment for sleep apnea, the consequences can be life-threatening. Untreated sleep apnea has been linked to a higher risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and more.

Get the Quality Sleep You Deserve

If you’ve experienced any symptoms of sleep apnea, Dr. Argyle and our Syracuse team are here to help. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your concerns and create a treatment plan uniquely tailored to your needs.

Our sleep apnea treatments are reliable and provide effective results. With custom-made oral appliances or myofunctional therapy, we have solutions for all patients.

Give us a call at (801) 774-7520 to learn more about our patient-centered care and your treatment options. If you’d like, a friendly member of our staff will be happy to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Argyle.

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