Sleep apnea can exist for years without being diagnosed. This is because the sleep disorder manifests itself only during sleep, which is just when the person suffering from it is oblivious to any irregularities.
An undiagnosed case of sleep apnea, however, can not only be irritating, but can also be fatal. Those who have it can experience anything from effects such as simple fatigue, to life-threatening effects such as heart disease. But the question remains. How can anyone be sure that sleep apnea is the cause? There are warning signs and symptoms to look out for, which require immediate attention from a doctor or sleep specialist.
1. Snoring. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but snoring is typical of those who suffer from the sleep disorder. Loud and chronic snoring is usually accompanied by grunts, snorts, gasps for breath, and restless movements.
2. Breathing irregularities. Sleep apnea causes a person to have breath pauses that lead to frequent and brief silences during sleep, but which then break into loud snoring. It is the bed partner who notices these breath intervals.
3. Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). This is defined as unusual and persistent sleepiness. People experiencing EDS normally feel the urge to, and sometimes do fall asleep involuntarily, for brief moments many times during the day. This can occur when performing daily routine tasks such as eating, talking over the phone, and driving. Obviously over time, EDS becomes a threat to someone’s performance at work and in school, weakening competency to complete tasks.
4. Daytime fatigue. Due to disrupted sleep, people with sleep apnea normally feel tired as though they haven’t slept the night before. It then results in forgetfulness, lack of concentration, and learning difficulties. Mood changes are also apparent, causing the person to become irritable and anxious.
5. Depression. Although it is not clear how exactly sleep apnea contributes to depression, it is said that people with the sleep disorder are five times more prone to developing depression. Sleep apnea is also reported to aggravate an existing case of depression.
6. Morning headache. People suffering from sleep apnea wake up with morning headache. In fact, statistics says that headaches occur in approximately half of the people with sleep apnea. Headaches at night are also reported.
7. Other symptoms. People with sleep apnea have a frequent need to urinate at night and experience excessive sweating when asleep. Upon waking up, they tend to have a dry throat. Sexual dysfunction is also observed from people with sleep apnea.
Experts suggest that the more sleep apnea symptoms present in a person and the more intense they are, the more severe his case of sleep apnea is. Undergoing sleep test and treatment then is necessary. But because it is hard for a potential patient to observe some of these symptoms from himself, the bed partner is put in a place of greater accountability.
Any suspected case of sleep apnea should not be taken for granted. Immediate attention is essential.
Thankfully, sleeping in separate bedrooms doesn’t have to be the remedy for your snoring. In fact, there are many effective solutions available. Once you find cure that works best to stop your snoring, you’ll vastly improve your health, your relationships, and, of course, your sleep.
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