Signs of sleep apnea:
• Lack of sleep causes patients to crave certain things throughout the day, such as caffeine and fatty, sugary foods, in order to keep themselves awake.
• Many patients of sleep apnea are also suffering from obesity. Because the body wakes consistently in order to breathe, the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep is rarely reached. REM sleep is the state in which calories are most rapidly burned. This, along with the food cravings, often leads to obesity.
• The most common sign of sleep apnea is the snoring. Because the airways needed to breath are obstructed, snoring typically occurs every night.
• Other signs include morning headaches, constant fatigue, listlessness, and moodiness.
Sleep apnea disorder can lead to serious issues, such as cardiac arrhythmias, low blood oxygen levels, and stroke. Be sure to contact a sleep apnea dentist in Orange County if you believe you might be suffering from sleep apnea.