By Alex Caten, MD, and Brandy Tacia, DO Northwest Ear, Nose & Throat
What comes to mind when you hear the words sleep apnea? Most people envision someone snoring so loudly that it wakes the entire house in the middle of the night.
It’s true that snoring and sudden gasping for breath are two of the telltale signs of sleep disorders, but they’re far from the only ones. A lack of energy, morning headaches, and even teeth grinding can indicate that you’re not getting the rest you need, too.
Knowing the signs can help you get treatment sooner and improve your quality of life. Let’s explore more about sleep apnea, explain why it needs to be treated, and explore 5 surprising symptoms.
Is sleep apnea a serious health condition?
Yes. When left untreated, sleep apnea can cause a host of negative health conditions. Clinical studies link it to higher rates of stroke, heart failure, and heart disease. Additional research shows that people with sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression.
The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s triggered when the throat muscles collapse during sleep and block the airway, causing snoring and reducing oxygen flow to the brain. People with OSA briefly stop breathing, choke, wake up, and then start breathing again. This cycle can happen hundreds of times a night.
The 5 signs of sleep apnea you may not know
If you live alone, or if your sleep schedule is different from that of other people in your family, you may not know whether you snore at night. That’s why it’s important to know the other signs that could indicate you have sleep apnea. Here are 5 symptoms that people often overlook.
1. Your head is pounding when you wake up.
An occasional morning headache is common. But if a.m. headaches happen more often than not, are accompanied by a dry mouth, and go away during the day, OSA could be the cause. The reason is that the pauses in breathing during sleep that drop your oxygen levels also raise your carbon dioxide levels. When this happens, blood vessels can dilate, leading to a headache. High carbon dioxide levels can also dry out your mouth and throat.
2. You feel sleepy in the middle of the morning (or afternoon).
Ever wake up from an 8- or 9-hour sleep and still feel exhausted? OSA can prevent you from falling into a deep, restorative sleep, leaving you yawning and tired the following day. If you regularly need daytime naps, feel like you’re in a mental fog during the day, have trouble concentrating or need an extra cup of coffee, it’s wise to get checked for sleep apnea.
3. You’re cranky and feeling “down.”
Researchers are beginning to learn more about the connection between sleep apnea and mental wellness. A prolonged lack of sleep can affect hormones that regulate mood and change the way your brain processes emotions. As a result, people with OSA sometimes report being depressed and irritable during the day. Others report frequent mood swings.
4. Your blood pressure is off the charts
Living with OSA, and the pauses that interrupt your sleep, can lead to blood pressure spikes, even if you’re on anti-hypertensive medications. Research shows that OSA is present in 30% to 50% of people with high blood pressure and up to 80% of people with hard-to-treat hypertension. If your blood pressure isn’t well controlled, it’s worth asking your doctor whether sleep apnea could be a cause.
5. You’re restless at night and don’t even know it.
Sleep apnea causes people to do things in the middle of the night they wouldn’t normally do. They sometimes grind their teeth, suffer from night sweats, or move around a lot (such as “jerking” themselves awake). Frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night may also be a sign of OSA.
When should I see a doctor for sleep apnea?
If you snore, gasp for air while sleeping, or notice any other signs of sleep apnea, take it seriously. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. Be prepared to explain the types of symptoms you’re having and how long you’ve experienced them.
That conversation will help your doctor determine whether you will need a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea or other sleep disorders. People in North Idaho can get a sleep study locally at the Northwest Sleep Center in Post Falls.
If you’re the spouse or family member of someone who snores and is concerned about their well-being, sit down and have a talk with them.
Inspire® Therapy for Sleep Apnea in the Inland Northwest
Our team at Northwest Ear, Nose, and Throat in Post Falls offers Inspire® sleep therapy to adults in North Idaho. Inspire is the first and only device approved by the FDA to treat moderate-to-severe OSA.
Who qualifies for Inspire therapy?
Adults (age 18 or older) with OSA who can’t tolerate or get consistent sleep using a CPAP machine are the best candidates for Inspire therapy. Many insurance plans cover Inspire for people with a body mass index (BMI) up to 40, but others limit coverage to people with BMIs of 35 or lower. Always check with your insurer to be sure.
How does Inspire therapy work?
Inspire is a small implant placed near the collarbone during an outpatient procedure. It includes a breathing sensor and stimulation lead. The device is activated about a month after the procedure.
Inspire works by sending pulses to the hypoglossal nerve, causing the tongue to move forward and open the airway. Patients use a handheld remote to turn the device on at bedtime and off upon waking. The Inspire device runs on a battery. The battery will need to be replaced every seven to ten years on average.
Find long-term relief from sleep apnea
Sleep apnea doesn’t always need medical treatment. People can reduce their risk by losing weight, exercising, and sleeping on their side. But if those steps don’t work, or if you’ve been diagnosed with OSA, treatment is essential. If you have sleep apnea and want to know more about Inspire therapy, call Northwest ENT at 208-262-2717 and book an appointment to speak with us.