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Caryn A. Guba, DDS, Pc |
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General & Cosmetic Dentistry |
317-894-4253 |
DO I HAVE SLEEP APNEA?
The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making the type of sleep apnea more difficult to determine. The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
- Loud snoring, which is usually more prominent in obstructive sleep apnea
- Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
- Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath, which more likely indicates central sleep apnea
- Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headache
- Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)
When to see a doctor
Consult a medical professional if you experience, or if your partner observes, the following:
- Snoring loud enough to disturb the sleep of others or yourself
- Shortness of breath that awakens you from sleep
- Intermittent pauses in your breathing during sleep
- Excessive daytime drowsiness, which may cause you to fall asleep while you're working, watching television or even driving
Many people don't think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who has sleep apnea snores. But be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring, especially snoring that's punctuated by periods of silence.
Sleepiness questionnaire: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Measure your sleepiness
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) measures your general level of sleepiness.1 Your score can help you start a conversation with your doctor about excessive sleepiness (ES) and underlying causes of ES such as treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), shift work sleep disorder, also known as shift work disorder (SWD), and narcolepsy.
How likely are you to doze off or fall asleep in the following situations?
Rate the chance that you would doze off during the following 8 routine daytime situations. Click "CALCULATE" to find out your results. Then, share the results with your doctor.
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Sitting and reading |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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Watching television |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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Sitting inactive in a public place—for example, a theater or meeting |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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Lying down to rest in the afternoon when circumstances permit |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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Sitting and talking to someone |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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Sitting quietly after a lunch without alcohol |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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In a car, while stopped for a few minutes in traffic |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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As a passenger in a car for an hour without a break |
0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
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0 = would never doze
1 = Slight chance of dozing
2 = Moderate chance of dozing
3 = High chance of dozing
Share your results with your doctor.
If you scored 10 or more, speak to your doctor about further evaluation