If your spouse notices loud snoring, gasping, choking sounds, or pauses in breathing during sleep, it may be worth getting evaluated for sleep apnea. Many patients first learn they may have sleep apnea because a spouse or family member notices symptoms before they do.

Warning signs include:

• Loud nightly snoring

• Pauses in breathing during sleep

• Waking up gasping or choking

• Morning headaches

• Dry mouth upon waking

• Daytime sleepiness

• High blood pressure

• Difficulty concentrating

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, consider discussing sleep apnea screening with a healthcare professional.

If you consistently wake up feeling exhausted despite spending enough time in bed, your sleep quality may be disrupted. Sleep apnea is one possible cause and can prevent your body from getting the restorative sleep it needs.

Not necessarily. Many people snore without having sleep apnea. However, loud, frequent snoring—especially when accompanied by daytime fatigue, morning headaches, or witnessed pauses in breathing—may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea and should be evaluated.

Common symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, waking up tired, morning headaches, dry mouth upon waking, difficulty concentrating, and being told that you stop breathing during sleep. A sleep study is needed to diagnose sleep apnea.

Yes. Untreated sleep apnea has been associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, excessive daytime fatigue, low libido, disruption of testosteron, reduced focus, premature death and other health problems.

A home sleep test is a portable device that you use while sleeping in your own bed. It collects information about your breathing, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns to help determine whether sleep apnea may be present.

Yes. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine may help qualifying patients with oral appliance therapy and work together with physicians as part of the diagnosis and treatment process.

Research has shown an association between obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction. Poor oxygen levels, disrupted sleep, and hormonal changes may contribute to sexual health issues in some men.

Many patients struggle with CPAP due to masks, hoses, noise, or comfort issues. Depending on your condition, oral appliance therapy may be an alternative treatment option. A consultation can help determine whether you may be a candidate.