Have you ever wondered why you still feel tired after a long, full night of sleep? The problem may be sleep apnea, a condition that is not easily diagnosed. Many people don’t realize that they have sleep apnea and struggle for months or years with the effects. Learn more about the causes of this condition as well as the symptoms and treatment options with Dr. Pankaj Gupta at Wake Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists and Wake Sinus Center in Cary, NC.Sleep Apnea CausesMany cases of sleep apnea are caused by an obstruction in the airways that only occurs when you are sleeping. If you have a tendency to lay down in a certain way (such as on your back) or you have an excess of soft tissue in the back of your throat, that could increase the chances of sleep apnea. The muscles in the back of the throat relax when you sleep, so the soft tissue is more likely to block the airway. Patients who are overweight often struggle with this sleep disorder. In some cases, sleep apnea is hereditary and children may have this problem due to enlarged tonsils or major dental overbites. Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption could also contribute to sleep apnea symptoms.Sleep Apnea SymptomsLoud, consistent snoring is one of the clearest signs of sleep apnea. But obviously, since the patient is asleep at the time, he or she doesn’t recognize this symptom until another person says something about it. Other symptoms include:- A tired feeling when waking in the morning.- Fatigue throughout the day.- Problems with memory and concentration.- Irritability and changes in mood.Sleep Apnea Treatment OptionsDr. Gupta will discuss several different treatment options with you if you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea. These treatments may help:- CPAP device (worn at night to aid normal breathing).- An oral appliance to adjust the jaw and prevent blockages.- Surgery to help the airways stay open, such as a tonsillectomy or repair of a deviated septum.Sleep EasyIf you’ve recently discovered that you may be experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea, get assistance from an ENT who is familiar with this disorder. Call (919) 851-5636 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pankaj Gupta at Wake Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists and Wake Sinus Center in Cary, NC.
