Are You Experiencing Daytime Drowsiness?
Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Mon 01/20/2020 - 09:00
Daytime drowsiness may be a symptom of sleep apnea. It could also be a sign of other health conditions. If you have additional signs of sleep apnea, such as snoring, you may want to consult a sleep specialist for a professional diagnosis.
In this post, West Orange sleep specialist Dr. Ivan Stein discusses daytime drowsiness and other symptoms of sleep apnea.
Daytime Drowsiness and Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can significantly reduce the quality of your sleep. You may feel very tired during the day because you aren’t getting enough sleep every night.
Do you frequently fall asleep during the day unintentionally? If you find it hard to stay awake whenever you are sitting still for a few minutes, it could be because you have sleep apnea.
Other Sleep Apnea Symptoms
If you are experiencing daytime drowsiness, look out for any of these other symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Snoring, especially loud and chronic snoring
- Memory or concentration problems
- Waking up due to choking
- Having a sore throat in the morning
- Irritability or mood swings
- Low libido
In addition, you should know your risk factors for sleep apnea. You may be at higher risk of having sleep apnea if you have any of the following risk factors:
- High blood pressure
- Body mass index over 35
- Age of 50 or older
- Neck circumference of greater than 15 inches
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, you should contact a doctor to discuss your concerns.
Sleep Apnea Diagnosis
Diagnosis of sleep apnea often requires a sleep study. This can take place in a lab or at home using portable equipment.
Several tools will be used to monitor you while you sleep. This can include electrodes that are placed on your face and head as well as other tools that monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and brain activity.
A sleep specialist will analyze the findings from the study to determine if you have sleep apnea or any other type of sleep disorder.
Sleep Apnea Treatment
If you do have sleep apnea, there are several treatment options. Continuous positive airway press (CPAP) machines are often recommended. Oral appliances are another effective treatment option, especially for people who have difficulty tolerating the CPAP machine.
To talk to a sleep specialist about your sleep apnea symptoms, contact New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stein by calling (855) WHY-SNORE or (855) 949-7667 today.
