Unfortunately, the vast majority of people with sleep apnea do not know they have the sleep disorder. 80% of cases go undiagnosed.
Many people brush off the effects of sleep apnea as aging, stress, or just being tired. Or, they might not realize why they feel the way they do. That's why it is so important to review the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea to see if your condition can be treated.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Excessive sleepiness during the day. People with sleep apnea are incapable of getting restful sleep, which means they are chronically sleep-deprived, no matter how long they spend in bed. If you are constantly exhausted, sleep apnea could be the cause.
Decrease in attention, lack of concentration, lack of energy, irritability. Many of the mood and concentration issues that are associated with not getting enough sleep are constant hallmarks of sleep apnea.
Decrease in memory. Poor sleep quality decreases your recall ability. Plus, prolonged oxygen deprivation can damage your brain.
Poor sleep at night. If you have trouble sleeping at night, or frequently have to get up to use the bathroom, this points to the poor sleep quality caused by sleep apnea.
Snoring. People who snore are more likely to suffer from OSA.
Choking sounds or periods of not breathing at night. During an apnea, a person stops breathing and may begin gasping, choking or snorting. If you notice this in a bed partner, or if you wake up at night gasping, this is a serious warning sign.
Waking up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache. These are all aftereffects of a strenuous night of sleep.
Other health conditions. Sleep apnea is strongly correlated with several other health problems, most notably heart disease and high blood pressure. If you have these conditions, sleep apnea could be contributing.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you think that you have sleep apnea, talk to your physician about being tested, or request a consultation.
