Snoring and breathing pauses are the most noticeable signs of sleep apnea, but the disorder may also cause a few subtler signs and symptoms. Treating sleep apnea as soon as possible is crucial, as it can cause health problems ranging from diabetes to high blood pressure. Dr. Richard Bogan of Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, offers effective treatments for the common disorder.

What are the signs of sleep apnea?

If you have sleep apnea, you may notice one or more of these signs and symptoms:

  • You snore loudly: Do family members complain that they can hear you snoring even though you're behind closed doors? Although loud snoring doesn't necessarily mean that you have sleep apnea, it's often the most noticeable sign of the disorder.
  • You stop breathing momentarily: You may not be aware that you stop breathing, but your spouse, significant other or family members may have noticed breathing pauses. Breathing pauses may occur if your airway becomes blocked by your tongue, the walls of your throat collapses.
  • You wake up suddenly in the night: If you have sleep apnea, you may jerk awake in the night or wake up gasping for air. These responses are your body's way of forcing you to begin breathing again.
  • You're constantly tired: Sleep apnea affects the quality of your sleep and can lead to daytime fatigue. If you're not aware that you have the disorder, you may wonder why you're so tired, despite spending 8 hours in bed.
  • You wake up with a headache: Morning headaches are common in sleep apnea due to oxygen deprivation.
  • You're cranky: Sleep deprivation can make you feel irritable and even contribute to depression.
  • You have trouble concentrating: Sleep apnea can cause issues with concentration and memory.

Your Columbia, SC, sleep consultant can recommend treatments that prevent breathing pauses, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, oral appliances or surgery to remove obstructions.

Do you have any of these sleep apnea signs? Call Dr. Richard Bogan of Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, at (803) 251-3093 to schedule an appointment.