Could You Have Sleep Apnea?
One of the most common questions about sleep apnea is: “how can I tell if I have it?” and, if I do, how can sleep apnea machines help?
Apnea is a disorder that causes a person to stop breathing while they sleep It can be a mild or serious problem for the sufferer.
Symptoms range from mild to severe and can be vague or easy to ignore. “Apnea”, from the Greek “without breath”, is a disorder that causes a person to frequently stop breathing during sleep.
Sleep Disorder Study Video
Common sleep apnea symptoms in adults include:
* Waking up with a very sore and/or dry throat
* Waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
* loud snoring
* Sleepiness during the day
* Morning headaches
*Forgetfulness and anxiety
* mood changes and a decreased interest in sex
* Recurrent awakenings during sleep
* Insomnia
* Exhaustion
* personality changes and depression
* irritability, loss of concentration
* Sweating and chest pains during sleep
* restless tossing and turning during sleep
* gasping episodes
As you can see, symptoms aren’t unusual, and sometimes symptoms for the different types of sleep apnea overlap, making a definitive diagnoses difficult. It can be mild, moderate or serious depending on how frequently the person stops breathing per hour and their symptoms.
There are three classifications of sleep apnea symptoms: obstructive, central and mixed.
The severity and frequency of sleep apnea symptoms are important to note in order to make an accurate diagnosis.
With obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea symptoms result from the throat muscles relaxing so far as to collapse the windpipe upon inhaling.
However, because many sleep apnea symptoms occur during sleep, or during brief periods of semi-consciousness, identifying the condition can be difficult. Nighttime sleep apnea symptoms are difficult to notice without close observation. A spouse or partner will likely notice different sleep apnea symptoms than those suffering from sleep apnea.
While it is not clear whether apnea causes depression or vice-versa, studies show that by treating sleep apnea symptoms, depression may be lessened in some people.
Symptoms can decrease with a change in sleeping patterns, like sleeping on your side instead of your back.
Besides these very general sleep apnea symptoms that are usually present with the majority of patients, there are more subtle signs that can indicate a sleep affection.
Sleep apnea symptoms worsen when you’re tired, so getting enough sleep is important.
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If you or someone you love exhibits sleep apnea symptoms, consult a physician. If you have more than two or three sleep apnea symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. If you have a snoring problem, ask for a doctor’s advice, learn more about apnea, and see whether you have other sleep apnea symptoms or not.
If you recognize any of these sleep apnea symptoms you should visit your doctor and talk over your concerns with him/her.
Left untreated, sleep apnea symptoms can develop into serious health conditions. Sleep apnea symptoms, left untreated, can lead to potentially dangerous and life threatening consequences, such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Unfortunately, many people suffer with sleep apnea symptoms and sleep disorders for years before being diagnosed.
Only a doctor can provide accurate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms as to whether they are sleep apnea symptoms. Fortunately, sleep apnea symptoms, though common and sometimes vague can be diagnosed and treated. Mild to moderate sleep apnea symptoms can often be improved with some self-help techniques and lifestyle changes.
While many self-help tips can help improve sleep apnea symptoms, always follow your sleep physician’s advice.
