04 Apr 7 Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea (And Why You Should Get a Sleep Study)
Do you wake up exhausted even after a full night’s rest? You might be one of the millions of Americans living with undiagnosed sleep apnea. The good news is that getting a sleep study in San Antonio, TX is easier than ever, and it could completely change your quality of life. Here are seven signs it might be time to talk to a professional.
1. You Snore Loudly and Frequently
Occasional snoring is common, but loud, persistent snoring often followed by gasping or choking sounds is one of the most telling signs of sleep apnea in adults. If your partner has ever nudged you awake because of your snoring, don’t brush it off.
2. You Wake Up Gasping for Air
Waking up abruptly, short of breath, or with a racing heart is a red flag. Sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during the night, which can jolt you awake without you even realizing it’s happening regularly.
3. You Feel Exhausted No Matter How Much You Sleep
Chronic daytime fatigue is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. Because your body is repeatedly being roused from deep sleep to restore normal breathing, you never truly get the restorative rest you need. If you’re always tired, it’s worth asking: do I need a sleep study?
4. You Wake Up with Morning Headaches or a Dry Mouth
Waking up with a headache or parched mouth can point to low oxygen levels or mouth-breathing during sleep. These symptoms are important clues that your sleep quality may be compromised.
5. You Have Difficulty Concentrating or Mood Changes
Poor sleep doesn’t just make you tired; it affects your brain. Brain fog, trouble focusing, irritability, and even symptoms of depression can all be linked to untreated sleep apnea.
6. You’ve Been Told You Stop Breathing During Sleep
This is one of the most direct signs of sleep apnea. If a partner or family member has ever watched you stop breathing during sleep, even briefly, that’s a clear signal to seek a sleep apnea diagnosis in San Antonio.
7. You Have Risk Factors Like Obesity, High Blood Pressure, or a Large Neck Size
Certain physical and medical factors increase your risk for sleep apnea, including excess weight, hypertension, a large neck circumference, and a family history of the condition. If you have one or more of these and experience any of these symptoms of sleep apnea, it’s important to get evaluated.
What Happens During a Sleep Study?
A sleep study monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep cycles overnight, either in a clinic or from the comfort of your own home. It’s painless, non-invasive, and provides the data needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Ready to Get Answers?
Dr. Drake’s Sleep Solutions is a trusted provider offering a sleep apnea diagnosis in San Antonio. Their team takes a patient-centered approach, helping you understand your results and explore the best treatment options.
Schedule your consultation in San Antonio, TX, today.