Do I Have Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea costs you more than a good night’s sleep – it effects your health, well-being and happiness. With the right support, it can be successfully treated – but the first step is to get it diagnosed. Four out of five sleep apnea sufferers don’t know they have it. There are various symptoms – some of them very common – that may mean you have sleep apnea.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Exhaustion
Do you feel tired every day, despite getting a full eight hours of sleep? Do you experience sometimes overwhelming feelings of exhaustion throughout the day? These are potential signs of sleep apnea. Because people with sleep apnea wake up repeatedly – sometimes hundreds of times a night – they are never able to reach or stay in the deepest cycles of sleep necessary to recharge the body.
\Sleep apnea sufferers experience decreased concentration, memory, energy and libido. They may also experience mood swings, irritability, depression and poor performance at work or school. Sleep apnea sufferers may “nod off” during the day – including while driving – creating a serious danger to themselves and others. If you experience consistent, even daily exhaustion, you should get tested for sleep apnea. Your doctor will help you determine if your exhaustion is due to possible sleep apnea or sleep deprivation.
Snoring
Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea – but just about everyone who has sleep apnea snores. Snoring is the most common and most noticeable symptom of sleep apnea. Since it is so common, people rarely get concerned about it. The reality is, however, that snoring should be taken seriously.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea causes the tongue, soft palate and uvula to fall onto the back of the throat, blocking airflow. When air is partially inhibited in this manner, breath must squeeze through the narrow passage of the airway, causing the soft palate and uvula to vibrate, producing the sound of snoring. A complete closure of the airway may result in the patient choking or gasping for air as they wake up.
Additional Symptoms
Morning Headaches
Restlessness
High Blood Pressure
Dry Mouth
Weight Gain
Depression
Diabetes