If you are experiencing daytime sleepiness despite getting 8 hours of sleep every night, you may have a sleep disorder. While it is not uncommon to wake up unrefreshed even after a good night’s sleep, feeling this way consistently needs to be evaluated at a sleep center in Ringgold, GA. Here are some things to know about one of the most common types of sleep disorders known as sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you have sleep apnea, then you may have periods of breathing cessation episodes when you sleep as a result of airway obstruction. Other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, also called obstructive sleep apnea, may include loud snoring, waking up because of gasping or choking, and profound daytime drowsiness. You may also wake up with a sore throat and dry mouth, and it may be difficult for you to focus throughout the day. Some people who have sleep apnea may have high blood pressure, experience depression, and wake up with a headache.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis And Treatment
If you have any of the above signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, your primary care doctor may refer you to a sleep center in Ringgold, GA for a comprehensive examination by a sleep medicine physician that may include a sleep study. One of the most common treatment options for sleep apnea is using a device called a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure, and it helps open up your airway so that you can breathe better with frequent nighttime waking. Lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight, sleeping on your side, avoiding alcohol a few hours before going to sleep, and raising the head of your bed, can also help reduce apnea episodes.
