What Are the 3 S’s of Sleep Apnea?

When it comes to diagnosing sleep apnea, it is important to undergo an official sleep test. Even before that point, though, you may be able to get a reasonable idea of whether you have this disorder simply by looking out for the three S’s of sleep apnea; they are three of the most common symptoms that medical professionals check for when looking for indications of a sleep disorder. What exactly are they? This blog post explains.

Snoring

Most people snore occasionally. If you snore just once in a while, and the snoring tends to be light, it is probably nothing to be concerned about. However, if the snoring is frequent and severe, that can mean the tissues in your upper airway are interfering with the free flow of oxygen. Those same tissues could easily block the airway altogether, causing the pauses in breathing that are characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Sleepiness

Again, occasional sleepiness is probably nothing to be concerned about. There are all sorts of reasons why you might be tired. However, if you frequently feel exhausted despite sleeping for 7 – 8 hours at night, that is not normal.

While there are several possible explanations for why you might feel worn out on a daily basis, sleep apnea is a very common cause of this problem. Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycle and prevents you from benefiting from all the stages of sleep. In turn, that can make you feel exhausted day after day.

Significant Other Reports of Sleep Apnea Episodes

People with sleep apnea are usually unaware of when they experience episodes. Their body arouses them just enough to get them breathing again, but they do not wake up enough to know that there was a problem.

Your significant other, in contrast, is very likely to notice these episodes. Ask them if they have observed that you sometimes stop breathing at night. You can also ask them if you snore or if they have noticed anything else that is unusual about the way you sleep.

Are you experiencing the 3 S’s of sleep apnea? Seeking a diagnosis and treatment can improve your health and your quality of life. Hopefully, you will soon get back to enjoying the refreshing rest that you deserve!

Meet the Practice Drs. Kenneth Mogell and Yitta Garden are experienced sleep dentists who focus their practice on providing oral appliances to treat sleep apnea for patients in our community. If you believe you have sleep apnea or are interested in exploring your treatment options, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our Boca Raton office