For certain patients, especially those who live alone, it can be almost impossible to immediately recognize the signs and symptoms of a sleep apnea problem. The best way to find out is to get tested by a sleep doctor. Learn how to begin recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea when you visit Dr. Jeremy McConnell at Florida Sleep Specialists, which has offices in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a disorder that causes patients to wake up continuously while asleep due to a blockage in the back of their throat. It is usually caused by too much tissue or fat and is common in overweight patients. The obstruction causes the muscles to tighten, making breathing difficult and causing the brain to wake the body up. It also causes loud snoring. Many patients don’t realize they are experiencing these frequent breathing disruptions throughout the night.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Patients don’t recognize the signs of sleep apnea until they begin to experience extreme drowsiness, irritability, and poor performance during the day due to lack of sleep. Other symptoms may include frequent headaches, anxiety, unexplained illnesses, and an inability to concentrate on even basic tasks like driving or cooking.

Sleep Apnea Solutions

Your Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, doctor may suggest you agree to a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea correctly. During this session, a specialist will monitor your sleep patterns over a night or two. The common solutions for diagnosed sleep apnea include:

• Dental devices that adjust the position of the jaw to allow for easier breathing while asleep.
• Medications to relieve nasal blockages.
• Weight loss and dietary changes.
• Smoking cessation and eliminating alcohol consumption at night.
• CPAP therapy (a machine that you use at night).

Talk to a Sleep Doctor

At Florida Sleep Specialists in Bradenton and Sarasota, FL, Dr. Jeremy McConnell can offer you modern solutions for sleep apnea. Call 941-792-8383 or 941-827-0701 today to set a convenient time for an evaluation so that you can begin to get better sleep.