Your partner’s complaints about your snoring are a clear clue you might have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but you could be missing less obvious warning signs.

Seven to nine hours of sleep per night reduces stress, bolsters the immune system, aids critical thinking and reduces risk of chronic diseases and conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health.

For individuals with OSA, a good night’s sleep is frustratingly difficult. OSA is a common type of breathing that occurs when the airway collapses during sleep, preventing enough air from reaching the lungs. This condition has been linked with a higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart attack and stroke. Look beyond snoring for these hints you might have OSA:

• A serious need to drink water after waking up. Snoring can cause dry mouth and a sore throat.
• A pounding head in the morning. Poor sleep can leave you with a headache when you rise and shine.
• A sore jaw or sensitive teeth. You could be clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night in an effort to force enough air through the airway.
• Lots of nighttime bathroom breaks. Interrupted sleep can lead to more frequent urges to use the facilities.
• Feeling zombie-ish during the day. Poor sleep can cause daytime fatigue.
• Acting like a grumpier, less focused version of you. If OSA is preventing you from getting good sleep, you may have trouble concentrating, solving problems, and being friendly and courteous to others.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to investigate the possibility that you could have OSA.

Reducing Your Risk
Certain obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk factors, such as being male, age and family history, are beyond your control, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless to prevent OSA. Follow these steps:

Step 1
Start by doing something that will improve your health in myriad ways: quit smoking. Lighting up makes you more susceptible to OSA.

Step 2
Exercise regularly and follow a nutritious, balanced diet to eliminate excess weight. Having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher and a neck circumference of greater than 16 inches for women and 17 inches for men increases risk for OSA, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Step 3
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, work with your primary care doctor to manage these OSA-associated chronic diseases and conditions.


Talk to your doctor if you suspect you may have a sleep disorder. Don’t have a primary care physician? Call 1-855-TENNOVA.
To learn more about our Sleep Disorders Center, visit Tennova.com or call 931-502-4090.

Remember that this information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.