Sleep apnea is a medical condition that is characterized by brief interruptions in breathing during sleep. In some cases, these interruptions can be so brief that the patient may not even be aware that they occurred. The common symptoms include:

Feeling Tired Throughout the Day

When sleep apnea is present, the patient often experiences extreme fatigue or excessive sleepiness during the day, which can interfere with everyday tasks and daily activities. Fatigue can make it hard for patients to stay awake behind the wheel of a car, for example, which can result in serious accidents involving themselves and others on the road. Patients may also find it difficult to function at work, especially if their job requires them to be awake for long periods of time. Fatigue can make it challenging to maintain relationships with friends or family members. Some patients experience periods of insomnia alongside daytime fatigue and sleepiness, which can cause them to get even less sleep at night. All of these issues can create a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.

Loud Snoring

Many patients with sleep apnea also snore heavily at night; snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. If you or your partner snores loudly, it may be a warning sign that it's time to visit the dentist for a check-up and possible treatment. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.

Shortness of Breath

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is breathlessness or the feeling of not being able to breathe normally at night. This can happen if you snore loudly or have difficulty breathing through your nose. Breathing in the air with your CPAP machine can help alleviate this problem.

Other symptoms of sleep apnea include morning headaches and dry mouth. 

Trouble Concentrating

If you often have trouble paying attention or concentrating on one task, sleep apnea may be to blame. Sleep apnea causes breathing to stop for short periods of time throughout the night. For someone with sleep apnea, this usually results in a variety of frequently interrupted sleep cycles. These interruptions make it hard for the body to get the necessary amount of rest it needs to function properly during the day. People who don't get enough quality sleep at night are more likely to experience difficulties concentrating and focusing on one task at a time.

Risk factors for sleep apnea include being overweight and having a large neck circumference. If a patient suspects that they may have sleep apnea, the dentist can perform a sleep study to determine if they do have this condition. Treatment options for sleep apnea include a CPAP device, oral appliance therapy, and traditional surgery.

At Wes Yomoto Esthetic Dentistry, we provide patients with a wide range of dental services to help them improve their oral health and enhance their smile. Our dentist in San Jose, CA, and his experienced team are committed to providing each patient with personalized treatment plans that address their unique dental needs.