Sleep apnea is one of those conditions that more people have than many people realize. It’s also the kind of condition that you can develop and suffer symptoms because of, yet not even realize that you have it. Sleep apnea describes the cessation of breathing while you sleep caused by a repeated obstruction of your airway, which constantly interrupts your breathing cycle and sleep cycle. In addition to the excessively loud snoring this causes, it can also make it impossible for you to reach or maintain deep sleep long enough to rest properly.

You get tired earlier and earlier each day

When your brain and body are consistently deprived of adequate oxygen and rest, you’ll begin to experience symptoms of sleep deprivation despite believing that you’re sleeping peacefully each night. One of the most notable of these symptoms is a tendency to grow increasingly tired at earlier times each day, as you lose the little energy you have much faster. The problem with sleep apnea is that you aren’t typically aware of the times when your body stops breathing and is forced to clear your airway. Therefore, you may not realize that your fatigue is a sign of sleep apnea, and may not think to seek treatment for it.

You become irritated much easier

Losing energy faster each day can put you in a bad mood, but when you consistently lose sleep and your brain and body can’t rest, you’ll also grow more irritable faster. Little things that should be easy to ignore can take on inflated significance, and you can experience erratic mood swings and, in some cases, depression due to fatigue in your mind and body. If feelings of depression are accompanied by a snoring habit each night, then it may be a good idea to speak with your dentist about the possibility of sleep apnea before seeking help from a mental health professional.

You find it hard to concentrate or remember things

An inability to regulate your emotion is a natural response to a chronic lack of sleep and increasing fatigue. The longer you’re deprived of sleep and oxygen each night, the more your mental faculties can diminish, as well. One of the more troubling signs of severe sleep deprivation is cognitive decline, including trouble concentrating or remembering simple things. This can also be a result of your brain and body becoming extremely fatigued due to chronic lack of sleep, and your need for sleep apnea treatment could be much more serious at this point.

Learn if you exhibit signs of sleep apnea

If you exhibit these or other signs that your sleep quality is diminishing, then speak with your dentist to determine if you can benefit from sleep apnea treatment. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.