Jonesborough, Jefferson City, and Greeneville, TN
Many individuals who struggle with sleep apnea have no idea they’re living with it. Because the condition disrupts breathing during sleep, it often goes unnoticed by the person affected—until the consequences become hard to ignore.
Sleep apnea that goes undiagnosed is also untreated, and untreated sleep apnea can significantly impact your health and quality of life. That’s why recognizing the warning signs is crucial.
At Tusculum Dental Care, we help patients in Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN identify and manage sleep apnea before it leads to more serious complications.
Concerned you might have sleep apnea? Call us at (423) 639-4176 to schedule an evaluation.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
Sleep apnea doesn’t always come with obvious signs, but there are several red flags that could indicate your breathing is being interrupted at night.
1. Loud or Frequent Snoring
Snoring is one of the most well-known—and commonly ignored—clues. When your airway narrows during sleep, it causes vibrations that produce the sound of snoring. If the airway closes completely or nearly so, breathing stops briefly, which is the hallmark of sleep apnea.
In general, the louder or more persistent the snoring, the more likely it is connected to a sleep breathing disorder.
2. Excessive Tiredness During the Day
Do you find yourself dragging through your day, no matter how early you went to bed? Sleep apnea can prevent your body from reaching the deep, restorative sleep it needs. Even if you think you’re getting a full night of sleep, your brain may be waking up repeatedly to restart breathing.
This results in chronic fatigue, even after what seems like a normal night’s rest.
3. Nodding Off When Inactive
You might not notice fatigue until your body forces you to rest. If you often fall asleep unintentionally—while watching TV, sitting at your desk, or even driving—it could be a sign that your body is desperate for deep sleep.
This kind of “micro-sleeping” is a major red flag and can be dangerous, especially if it happens during daily activities like commuting or working.
4. Morning Headaches
Another subtle symptom of sleep apnea is waking up with a headache, especially if it happens regularly. These headaches are often caused by oxygen deprivation and the repeated disturbances to your sleep cycle.
They usually fade within a few hours but can be an early indicator that your sleep isn’t as restorative as it should be.
5. Mood Changes and Irritability
Sleep plays a major role in regulating your emotions. When you’re constantly sleep-deprived—even without realizing it—you may feel more irritable, anxious, or emotionally unpredictable.
Many people with sleep apnea report mood swings, depression, or difficulty managing stress. This isn’t just mental—it’s a biological response to poor sleep quality.
6. Elevated Blood Pressure
Sleep apnea can contribute to high blood pressure, particularly when it doesn’t respond well to medications. When your breathing stops during sleep, your brain senses a lack of oxygen and triggers a stress response, which raises your heart rate and blood pressure.
Over time, this repeated strain can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.
7. Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
Your body regulates your metabolism while you sleep. Sleep apnea interferes with this system, causing your body to store more fat, increase appetite, and reduce willpower when it comes to eating habits.
This means you may gain weight more easily—or struggle to lose it—despite a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Could Sleep Apnea Be Affecting You?
If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, it’s worth exploring whether sleep apnea might be the cause. The good news? Once diagnosed, sleep apnea is treatable, and effective treatment can restore your energy, focus, and long-term health.
At Tusculum Dental Care, we’re trained in sleep dentistry and provide comprehensive care for patients facing sleep-related breathing issues.
📞 Call (423) 639-4176 to schedule your consultation at our office, proudly serving Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN.
Take the First Step Toward Better Sleep
Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step in transforming your health. If sleep apnea is behind your fatigue, headaches, or snoring, you don’t have to live with it any longer. Let us help you uncover the root of the issue—and create a plan for better sleep and better living.