symptoms_causes_sleep_apneaNearly half of all normal adults snore at least occasionally, and approximately a quarter are habitual snorers. While many people snore on occasion due to controllable factors, snoring may also be a sign of a more serious condition known as obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is defined as the reduction or cessation of breathing during sleep and is characterized by several episodes of breathing pauses that last more than 10 seconds at a time. These episodes are typically due to the upper airway narrowing or collapsing. When this happens, the blood receives lower amounts of oxygen and an individual’s heart is forced to work much harder than it should.

Additionally, people suffering from this type of sleep apnea experience disruption in the sleep cycle, which makes them feel poorly rested and irritated at times. If you or someone you love is a habitual snorer and has difficulty sleeping throughout the night, please contact Central Park ENT today. Our knowledgeable doctors in Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth will perform an examination that will allow us to determine whether you do in fact suffer from sleep apnea, in which case we will suggest a treatment path that is right for you.

In order to better understand sleep apnea and why it can be dangerous, we have outlined several of the main symptoms and causes of the disorder.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Here is a look at the most common signs of sleep apnea:

  • Loud and chronic snoring
  • Pauses during the snoring; which may be followed by choking or gasping
  • Fighting sleepiness during the day
  • Rapidly falling asleep during the day when not active
  • Morning headaches
  • Memory or learning problems
  • Not being able to concentrate
  • Feeling irritable, depressed, or having mood swings and personality changes
  • Waking up frequently to urinate
  • Dry mouth or sore throat when you wake up

Now that we know the symptoms of sleep apnea, let’s take a look at some of the conditions that cause sleep apnea.

Causes of Sleep Apnea

When you have sleep apnea, your airway can be partially or fully blocked because of the following:

  • Your throat muscles and tongue are more relaxed than they should be
  • Your tongue and tonsils are larger than the opening into your windpipe
  • You are overweight
  • You have a smaller airway size in the mouth and area due to the shape of your head and neck

To learn more about the symptoms and causes of sleep apnea or to discuss your particular case with a knowledge Dallas ENT doctor, please contact Central Park ENT today.