Quality sleep is integral to your overall well-being. If you're dealing with sleep apnea, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life. According to the American Medical Association, roughly 30 million people in the United States deal with sleep apnea. With so many people suffering from this condition, the good news is that there is a lot of research surrounding it. Here are some signs you need sleep apnea treatment.

1. Loud Snoring

Have your sleep patterns been characterized by a loud snoring? Does your partner end up having to sometimes sleep in another room because it's so bad? Unfortunately, snoring is one of the main characteristics of sleep apnea. The loud sound is produced due to a blockage in your airways.

2. Mood Issues

Has your normally happy personality been replaced by mood swings, especially in the morning? Unfortunately, when you don't get proper sleep, it can cause you to be very irritable throughout the day. Sleep is meant to help your mind and body relax and recharge. When that natural process can't take place, it can be easy for crankiness to set in.

3. Morning Headaches

Do you often wake up with morning headaches? Sleep apnea affects the amount of oxygen that can get to your brain. As a result, the blood vessels in your head can swell. Therefore, you may end up having a painful or groggy head.

4. Daytime Sleepiness

Even though you laid down for about eight hours of sleep, you don't feel rested. Sleep apnea affects the amount of oxygen you're getting. It can often result in short pauses of breath and frequent waking up. As a result, you're not getting the truly restful sleep required to go into a deep REM state. Even though you may have slept eight hours, it wasn't continuous, so you're sleepy throughout the day.

As you can see, you have many ways to tell if it's time to get professional sleep apnea treatment. According to the Sleep Foundation, people should get seven to nine restful hours of sleep each night. When that's not feasible, it can cause other health issues such as headaches, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and mood changes. These sleep problems can affect your overall quality of life and won't go away on their own. If you think you may need professional treatment, contact Gary Liberati Dentistry today.