Do I Have Sleep Apnea?

Do I Have Sleep Apnea? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Seek Help

Do you wake up feeling tired—even after what seemed like a full night’s sleep? Has your partner mentioned loud snoring, choking sounds, or gasping during the night? These may be more than just annoying habits—they could be signs of sleep apnea, a serious sleep disorder that affects your breathing and overall health.

Sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed because people don’t realize what’s happening while they sleep. But identifying the symptoms early is key to getting the help you need.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses in breathing can last from a few seconds to a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times a night.

There are two main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – The most common type, caused by the relaxation of throat muscles that block the airway.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – Less common, this occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing.

Some people may have complex sleep apnea, a combination of both.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Wondering if you might have sleep apnea? Here are some common warning signs:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Gasping or choking sounds while sleeping
• Pauses in breathing (often noticed by a bed partner)
• Restless tossing and turning
• Waking up frequently to urinate

• Morning headaches
• Excessive daytime fatigue or sleepiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings, depression, or irritability
• Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking

Important: Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea—but if snoring is loud and paired with other symptoms, it’s worth getting evaluated.

Who Is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Several factors can increase your risk, including:

• Being overweight or obese
• Large neck circumference
• Narrow airway or enlarged tonsils
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Family history of sleep apnea
• Being male (though women are also affected, especially after menopause)
• Age 40 and older

Why Sleep Apnea Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health issues, including:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression and anxiety
• Memory problems
• Increased risk of car accidents due to drowsiness

How Is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor or dentist. Diagnosis usually involves:

• Sleep evaluation – Discussing symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history
• Sleep study – Either an in-lab polysomnography or at-home sleep test to monitor your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep

Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and type of apnea but may include:

• Lifestyle changes – Weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol before bed
• CPAP machine – A continuous positive airway pressure machine that keeps your airway open
• Oral appliance therapy – A custom-made device provided by a dentist that repositions your jaw to keep the airway open
• Surgery – In severe cases, procedures may be recommended to remove or reposition tissue blocking the airway

Talk to a Sleep Apnea Specialist or Dentist

Dentists trained in sleep medicine, like those at practices such as Soft Touch Dental, can provide effective, non-invasive treatments like oral appliances that are more comfortable and discreet than a CPAP machine. These are especially helpful for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

If you’ve been asking, “Do I have sleep apnea?” don’t ignore the signs. What may seem like harmless snoring or tiredness could be affecting your heart, brain, and quality of life.

📞 Talk to your doctor or schedule a consultation with a dentist who specializes in sleep apnea treatment to get the answers and care you need.

A better night’s sleep could change your life—literally.