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How to Recognize Sleep Apnea

In the case of sleep apnea, your airway becomes blocked either partially or completely while you’re sleeping. Sucking the tongue into the back of the throat causes this condition. Snoring, daytime drowsiness, and gasping awakenings are the most noticeable symptoms of sleep apnea. There are additional symptoms of sleep apnea that are often dismissed by Mayfair, Northeast Philadelphia dentist. You may have sleep apnea, and here are six unexpected warning symptoms.

Having to Get Up to Pee Often During the Night

The need to use the bathroom repeatedly during the night may indicate sleep apnea. Many various conditions can lead to the condition known as nocturia; however, obstructive sleep apnea is a common source of this symptom. Insomnia prevents nighttime urination by decreasing the synthesis of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). Having a more acute awareness of your own need to use the restroom is another side effect of shallower sleep.

Experiencing Morning Headache Pains

When the causes of sleep apnea are considered, it is not shocking that people who experience frequent awakenings during the night tend to have headaches first thing in the morning. Add insufficient oxygen to the brain and poor quality sleep, and you have a recipe for headaches. These are typical morning headaches, and they affect both sides of the brain.

Empty Sense of Taste

A common complaint of those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea is waking up with a dry mouth. Patients with sleep apnea sometimes mouth-breathe subconsciously in an effort to improve oxygen intake. It’s possible that mouth dryness and a sore throat could result from this type of breathing. The “annoying” condition you’ve been having could actually be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder and the possibility of sleep apnea.

Unregulated Hypertension

Someone is likely to develop sleep apnea if they are taking two or more drugs to treat high blood pressure but are still having trouble maintaining normal blood pressure levels. When people with sleep apnea regularly stop breathing while asleep, their sympathetic nervous system is stimulated, leading to a rise in blood pressure.

Reflux of Acidic Foods

It’s tempting to blame an overly rich meal for your nocturnal heartburn or acid reflux. However, you may want to have your sleep checked if you frequently wake up with acid reflux. Acid from the stomach can reflux up into the esophagus more frequently in those with sleep apnea because the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened by the condition.