Do I Have Sleep Apnea? Warning Signs Houston Patients Shouldn’t Ignore

If you wake up exhausted, struggle to stay focused during the day, or hear complaints about your snoring, you might be asking yourself an important question: Do I have sleep apnea? For many Houston patients, the symptoms of sleep apnea are dismissed for years—often mistaken for stress, aging, or a busy lifestyle. 

Sleep apnea is a serious but highly treatable condition. Left undiagnosed, it can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, memory issues, and workplace or driving accidents. The good news? Early evaluation and treatment can dramatically improve both sleep quality and long-term health. 

Do I Have Sleep Apnea? What Is Sleep Apnea? 

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type—obstructive sleep apnea—occurs when throat muscles relax and block airflow. These interruptions can happen dozens (or even hundreds) of times per night, preventing deep, restorative sleep. 

Because these events occur while you’re asleep, many people don’t realize they’re happening. 

Common Signs Houston and Austin Sleep Patients Overlook 

Sleep apnea symptoms don’t always look dramatic. Many patients experience subtle warning signs, including: 

• Loud or chronic snoring 

• Gasping or choking during sleep 

• Waking with headaches 

• Dry mouth or sore throat in the morning 

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating 

• Excessive daytime fatigue 

• Mood changes or irritability 

If these symptoms feel familiar, it may be time for a professional evaluation for sleep disorders rather than assuming “this is just how I sleep.” 

Why Sleep Apnea Is More Than Poor Sleep 

Untreated sleep apnea doesn’t just affect energy levels—it impacts your entire body. Repeated drops in oxygen strain the cardiovascular system and disrupt hormone regulation. Over time, this can contribute to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, insulin resistance, and memory impairment. 

Sleep apnea is also closely linked to neurological conditions, which is why working with neurology and sleep medicine specialists can be critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

How CSMA Diagnoses Sleep Apnea 

At CSMA, diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical evaluation—not just a questionnaire. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your provider may recommend sleep testing and diagnosis using advanced monitoring technology. 

CSMA takes a comprehensive approach, evaluating sleep patterns, breathing, neurological signals, and overall health factors to ensure nothing is missed. 

What Treatment Looks Like 

Sleep apnea treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Your care plan may include: 

• CPAP or advanced PAP therapy 

• Oral appliance coordination 

• Lifestyle recommendations 

• Ongoing monitoring and follow-up care 

The goal of sleep apnea treatment at CSMA is not just fewer symptoms—but better sleep, clearer thinking, and improved long-term health. 

When to Schedule a Sleep Evaluation in Austin or Houston

If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, waiting rarely makes symptoms better. The sooner you’re evaluated, the sooner treatment can begin—and the sooner you’ll feel the difference. 

👉 Schedule an appointment with CSMA to get answers, peace of mind, and a personalized treatment plan.