Anyone that suspects they have the condition should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of sleep apnea. This condition is not something that is just annoying but is dangerous and can also be downright deadly. Some have unfortunately died from the cessation of breathing during the night, so of course realizing if you have this condition and getting it treated properly is vitally important. So let’s look at some common symptoms of sleep apnea and remember, you might not be able to recognize these symptoms in yourself but may need to ask your bedmate or another family member if they notice them when you sleep.
Your breathing and the sounds you make during sleep are common symptoms of sleep apnea. When your body stops breathing temporarily during the night of course it works very hard to get itself breathing again and this might mean sounds like choking, gasping, snorting, or wheezing. Many people think that these sounds are just common or harmless snoring but these noises, especially when loud or severe, are common symptoms of sleep apnea. The body gasps when it starts breathing after being denied oxygen or someone wheezes when that oxygen gets cut off. These are not good sounds for anyone and should be taken very seriously.
Sleep apnea interferes with a person’s sleep whether they’re aware of it or not. The way you feel during the day can also be common symptoms of sleep apnea. You might think you’ve gotten a good night’s sleep but if you’re fatigued when you wake up, have headaches throughout the day, get daytime sleepiness, or just generally don’t feel rested all of these can be symptoms of sleep apnea. It’s important that a person get several hours of uninterrupted sleep in order to be really refreshed and recharged but sleep apnea of course interferes with consistent rest. Again, a person isn’t typically aware of the fact that he or she has sleep apnea and is waking up during the night so these daytime symptoms should be considered.
Any and all of these symptoms of sleep apnea should be taken seriously. A doctor can refer you to a sleep clinic, but most cases of sleep apnea are caused by excess body weight. If you’re several pounds overweight you might want to consider doing what you can to lose this weight and see if perhaps these symptoms of sleep apnea don’t clear up.
Sleep Apnea is a Dangerous Sleep Problem
Sleep apnea is a condition where there is no air flow for about ten seconds or more and can occur when a person’s throat is completely closed while they are inhaling.
The problem of sleep apnea is known to be quite rampant, with about twenty percent of adults having experienced it even in its mildest form and according to figures released, there could be as many as forty million Americans affected by undetected sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can often become a major threat to a person’s life and require urgent treatment.
If you suspect or are sure that you are suffering from sleep apnea and need to locate a sleep apnea doctor, then you should get in touch with your local doctor, who can answer questions related to your problem.
Sleep apnea is a dangerous and progressive sleep disorder that worsens as a person becomes older. It will not only rob you of valuable sleep, but will put your life in danger, so it is recommended you consult your doctor.
The sleep apnea doctor you select will be able to perform the required examinations in order to diagnose the problem. You will be required to answer many questions. Some of the questions will include those that relate to positions that cause snoring, prior nasal surgery history and whether you drink alcohol.
If you have a partner they may be asked what they observe when you snore. The sleep apnea doctor must inquire about all your symptoms and lifestyle to arrive at a conclusion as to why you suffer from sleep apnea.
If you have a sleep problem, are in your forties and have an excess weight problem you should have yourself checked for sleep apnea. Common symptoms include constant tiredness, snoring, high blood pressure, poor concentration and waking through the night.
As always if you have any doubt where your health is concerned please consult your doctor. Sleep apnea should not be shrugged off. If a member of your family is concerned about your sleeping then you should be too.