Illinois Always Sleepy - In Your Local Area

Sleep Apnea Symptoms: Sleepless Nights, Tired Days

Sleep apnea symptoms are often hard to see yourself, but easy for other people to diagnose. Have you ever slept in the same room as someone who snores and skips breaths at night? Well, those are clear symptoms of sleep apnea. These pauses can last longer than 10 seconds, and it can frighten others to hear someone stop breathing. The sufferer is usually unaware of it.

Snoring is the biggest giveaway when it comes to diagnosing sleep apnea. Someone who snores doesn't necessarily have sleep apnea, but someone who has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) will almost certainly snore. OSA means that the airways through which you breathe can become obstructed. If they're partly obstructed, you'll snore.

If the airway becomes totally obstructed, you'll momentarily stop breathing. (An apnea is defined as stopping breathing for 10 seconds or more.) Apneas are not just a sleep apnea symptom; they are the very definition of the sleep disorder.

But the effects of sleep apnea don't just happen at night. Since you're not getting the restful sleep that you need, you'll probably feel daytime fatigue and sleepiness, possibly accompanied by grouchiness or depression. This leaves you more vulnerable to additional health problems. Be sure to discuss your symptoms with your doctor or dentist.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Snoring Problems? Sleep Apnea Therapy Can Help

Snoring is one of those problems that often bothers other people more than the person who does it. Many people who snore don't even know it. However, it can drive others crazy: spouses, roommates, neighbors, even dogs.

The noise of snoring happens when a person's airways are partially obstructed during sleep. When the airways are totally blocked, an apnea happens: that's when a person stops breathing briefly during sleep. So it's hardly a surprise to learn that people with obstructive sleep apnea also snore.

Snoring can be loud and disturb others, but snoring in and of itself isn't bad for your health. However, missing breaths during sleep is indeed a health problem. Snoring can be a symptom of a more serious sleep disorder, like sleep apnea. If your snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea, then you should discuss it with your doctor or dentist. Sleep apnea treatment can stop snoring and make your sleep more restful.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.