4 Common Symptoms of Sleep Disorder

Sleep disorders can occur at any age and can lead to a variety of symptoms that disrupt sleep and daily life. Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that involves repeatedly stopping breathing during sleep. Other common sleep disorders include insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Here are some symptoms that show you have a sleep disorder:

Snoring

Chronic snoring is the result of an obstruction in the airway during sleep called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax, causing the airway to become narrow or collapse altogether, restricting airflow and resulting in vibration of the surrounding tissues. This disruption in sleep prevents the body from being able to rest properly at night, which can result in persistent fatigue during the day. Studies have shown a direct correlation between moderate to severe sleep apnea and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, it is believed that poor quality of sleep can put you at a greater risk for depression and anxiety. 

Tiredness or Fatigue

While many people think that tiredness is a symptom of sleep deprivation, it can be caused by sleep apnea instead – a condition in which a person’s breathing stops and starts throughout the night. In addition to fatigue, symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring and waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.

A sleep specialist will use an at-home sleep test to diagnose the condition. If it is present, the dentist will explain the severity of your sleep disorder and provide treatment recommendations accordingly.

Trouble Concentrating

The inability to concentrate makes it hard to do even the simplest tasks around the house, work, or school. It’s hard for anyone to pay attention when their mind is elsewhere. For someone who has trouble sleeping at night, it becomes even more challenging to get through the day. Lack of sleep can cause fatigue, which makes concentration difficult. Other issues that may occur include forgetfulness, hallucinations, and mood swings.

If you’re struggling to stay awake during the day, you may want to speak with your doctor about sleep apnea treatment. Diagnosing and treating the problem early can reverse many of the symptoms listed above. 

Moodiness

People who have sleep apnea may awaken throughout the night and feel like they are not fully rested when they wake up in the mornings. This can make them moody or irritable during the day, which can have a negative impact on their relationships with others. Over time, untreated sleep disorder symptoms can lead to depression.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Saunders, DDS & Dr. Brittany Krog, DDS, to learn more about maintaining good oral health. Visit us at 2834 S University Dr, Fargo, ND 58103. Contact us at (701) 293-9886 or visit our website to book an appointment.