Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea You Shouldn’t Ignore

Person struggling to sleep because of sleep apnea in McLean, VA Sleep apnea is a common but often under-diagnosed condition that can negatively affect your life and health. Many people dismiss the early signs as simple snoring or fatigue, but untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications. Recognizing the symptoms early is key to getting the help you need.

At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, patients receive not only exceptional cosmetic and general dental care but also benefit from state-of-the-art technology that helps identify underlying conditions, such as sleep apnea. Serving Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Tysons Corner, Alexandria, Fairfax, and McLean, our highly trained team offers comprehensive care focused on oral health and overall wellness.

Look for these signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:

Loud, Persistent Snoring

While not everyone who snores necessarily has sleep apnea, snoring that is particularly loud, frequent, or disruptive may be a sign of a problem. Often, bed partners are the first to notice this symptom.

Gasping or Choking During Sleep

People with sleep apnea may have pauses in breathing that lead to gasping, choking, or snorting as they try to resume normal breathing. These episodes may occur throughout the night, preventing restful sleep.

Excessive Daytime Fatigue

Because sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep patterns, those affected often feel extremely tired during the day. Even after what seems like a full night’s sleep, individuals may struggle with drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and reduced productivity.

Morning Headaches

Waking up with a headache often can be a result of low oxygen levels and poor sleep quality caused by sleep apnea. If you regularly wake up with a headache, it may be a sign that your breathing is being interrupted during sleep.

Irritability and Mood Changes

Lack of restorative sleep can impact your mood and mental health. People with sleep apnea often report feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed. These emotional changes can affect your personal and professional life, as well as your overall well-being.

Difficulty Concentrating

Sleep apnea can impair cognitive function, leading to memory problems, trouble focusing, and slower reaction times. This mental fog can impact work performance and daily activities.

Dry Mouth or Sore Throat

Those with sleep apnea tend to breathe through their mouths during sleep, causing dry mouth or a sore throat upon waking.

High Blood Pressure

Sleep apnea is often accompanied by elevated blood pressure due to repeated oxygen deprivation and stress on the cardiovascular system during sleep. If you have high blood pressure that is difficult to control, sleep apnea may be a contributing factor.

Breathe Easier, Sleep Better with Sleep Apnea Treatment in McLean, VA

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, call us today at 703-448-1020 to schedule a consultation. Early intervention can help you find effective treatment to improve sleep and reduce health risks.

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01. Get to know the team at Galleria Dental Aesthetics.
02. Help us understand you and your goals.
03. Learn about our services and specialties.

“Dr Chong Lee is extremely patient and spends so much time with us during my son’s appointment. He showed us many options to help rebuild my son’s smile and give him confidence in his smile! Highly recommend Dr Lee!”

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