San Francisco and Marin CA
Sleep apnea is a widespread sleep disorder that affects millions of adults across the U.S., including many people in San Francisco. While some cases appear mild—such as loud snoring or restless sleep—sleep apnea often leads to serious and potentially life-threatening health problems when left untreated.
One of the biggest challenges with sleep apnea is that it frequently goes undiagnosed. Studies estimate that up to 80% of people with sleep apnea don’t realize they have it, which makes recognizing the symptoms critically important. If you snore regularly or feel chronically exhausted, seeking professional evaluation could literally save your life.
At Glen Park Dental, we help patients identify and manage sleep apnea using advanced, noninvasive treatment options. To schedule a consultation in San Francisco, call (415) 799-3900.
Nighttime Signs of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep. These breathing interruptions often cause choking or gasping episodes, but many people are unaware of them because they happen while asleep.
Snoring is another hallmark symptom, yet individuals who sleep alone may never realize they snore. Even those who share a bed may not be alerted if their partner is a heavy sleeper.
Other nighttime indicators of sleep apnea may include:
- Frequent awakenings throughout the night
- Sudden increases in heart rate
- Night sweats
- Waking with a sense of panic
Many people mistakenly attribute these episodes to stress, nightmares, or needing to use the bathroom, which can delay proper diagnosis.
Daytime Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Because nighttime symptoms often go unnoticed, daytime warning signs are especially important to recognize. Common daytime symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Morning headaches
- Waking with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Persistent daytime fatigue
- Falling asleep while working, watching TV, or driving
- Difficulty concentrating or memory lapses
These symptoms don’t just affect productivity and mood—they significantly increase the risk of workplace errors and serious car accidents.
Health Conditions Linked to Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea doesn’t just affect sleep.
Over time, untreated sleep apnea can contribute to or worsen several medical conditions, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Anxiety and depression
- Mood swings and irritability
- Increased aggression
Sleep apnea is also closely linked to heart attack, stroke, coronary artery disease, and chronic hypertension. Because its symptoms overlap with other conditions, sleep apnea is sometimes misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue, thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalances. If you’ve been diagnosed with these issues but still feel unwell, sleep apnea may be the underlying cause.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options at Glen Park Dental
At Glen Park Dental, we offer modern solutions to help patients breathe better and sleep more soundly. Treatment focuses on keeping the airway open throughout the night using custom oral appliance therapy, a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for many patients.
We also provide convenient in-home sleep testing, making it easier to determine whether sleep apnea is present without spending the night in a sleep lab. Every treatment plan is personalized to ensure optimal comfort, effectiveness, and long-term results.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep and Better Health
Recognizing the symptoms of sleep apnea is the first step toward protecting your health, energy, and quality of life. Effective treatment can reduce serious health risks and help you wake up feeling refreshed again.
If you suspect sleep apnea, contact Glen Park Dental in San Francisco today at (415) 799-3900 to schedule your sleep apnea consultation.
