Do you wake in the morning and still feel unrested? You may be waking frequently during the night or snoring, and it is waking you. On occasion, it is normal to feel sluggish in the morning, especially if you are under tremendous stress, ate too much before bed, or are suffering from illness. If slow-moving mornings have become the norm for you, then you might be having a problem during your sleep. Continue reading to learn what might be the cause.
Restless sleep, snoring, and sluggish morning behavior are all signs of sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA. Sleep apnea is repeated breathing interruptions during sleep cycles. In other words, the airway is becoming blocked during sleep, causing periods of time when breathing ceases briefly. Snoring is an obvious warning sign, but others include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability
- Difficulty thinking clearly and concentrating during the day
- Dry mouth in the morning
Due to the fatigue experienced with sleep apnea, it can become detrimental to your overall health if left undiagnosed and untreated. Over time untreated sleep apnea can cause drops in oxygen, increased blood pressure, heart strain, diabetes, heart attack, and even stroke. If you feel that you are suffering from sleep apnea, there are lifestyle changes that can potentially eliminate mild cases.
Losing weight – Obesity, especially in the upper body can be a trigger for sleep apnea due to the narrowing of the breathing airway. Even a slight weight loss can increase the airflow while sleeping.
Sleeping on your side – Sleeping on your back can increase the likelihood of sleep apnea symptoms, due to the tongue resting against the soft palate of the mouth. To encourage side sleeping, try using a body pillow.
Exercise – 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk, can strengthen your heart and increase energy levels. Yoga is another wonderful option to improve respiratory strength and oxygen levels. Increasing energy and oxygen levels promotes a healthy, well-rested sleep.
If you have questions about sleep apnea and how it can affect your health, please call our Montgomery office, and we will be happy to speak with you. Wishing you restful sleep!
