4 Symptoms That Will Help You Find Out Whether You Have Sleep Apnea

4 Symptoms That Will Help You Find Out Whether You Have Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?  

Sleep Apnea can be best described as a sleeping disorder where your breathing stops while you’re asleep. The potential reason behind this condition could be either the blockage of the airway or the brain becoming inconsistent in controlling your breathing. This condition is considered dangerous because irregular breathing creates significant obstructions during sleep, often causing you to wake up in the middle of the night to resume breathing. Such restless sleep exposes an individual to other potential issues. However, before we dig deep into the consequences, let’s explore the sleep apnea symptoms. 

Sleep Apnea: Common Symptoms to Consider 

Sleep Apnea comes with symptoms that are not limited to nighttime. Even the daytime is affected by this condition. Let’s look at the signs of sleep apnea:

Nighttime Symptoms: 

  • Loud Snoring: Are you or your partner a loud snorer? If yes, then do not overlook it. Snoring when asleep can be a sign of an obstructed upper airway. Although not all snorers have sleep apnea. Those with sleep apnea will have several episodes throughout the night followed by recurring pauses in snores.
  • Repetitive Waking During Night: If you are having restless nights accompanied by waking up, or twisting and turning in bed all night, then these signs are not meant to be ignored. Sleep Apnea will possibly cause restless legs, disturbed breathing, jerking, or waking up.
  • Daytime Fatigue and Exhaustion: As sleep apnea causes disturbed sleep patterns during the night, you might wake up tired the next day. Daytime fatigue makes you feel less productive and irritable. Poor sleep quality hinders your immune system and makes you prone to potential diseases like high Blood Pressure, Heart Problems, Diabetes, etc.
  • Obesity: Yes, you read that right – Men or Women who have obesity are massively prone to sleep apnea. If you relate to the above-mentioned symptoms, then it is time for you to consult with a medical professional.  

Day Time Symptoms: 

Some of the key daytime symptoms include: 

  • Tiredness or Fatigue
  • Mood Swings
  • Headache
  • Trouble Concentrating 

For those who have noticed such symptoms, it is recommended that you consult a sleep apnea specialist as soon as possible.

How do you know if you have Sleep Apnea?  

Sleep Apnea can be diagnosed with the help of a professional healthcare provider. If you identify with any of the symptoms above, then contact your healthcare expert. If the condition is suspected by the healthcare provider, then you will be asked to undergo a few diagnostic tests. 

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis: 

To diagnose Sleep Apnea, there are two common tests that a patient is required to undergo. They are as follows: 

  • Polysomnogram: 

This test is performed overnight, where an individual is made to wear sensors that record activities like breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, brain waves, etc., throughout their sleep. 

  • Home Sleep Apnea Test: 

This is an at-home test that is highly convenient. However, there is a limitation as this test cannot record central brain activity. This test records breathing patterns as you place sensors on your chest and abdomen.  

Sleep Apnea: Severity and Curability 

To evaluate how severe sleep apnea is, healthcare professionals use the Apnea/Hypopnea Index (AHI). The AHI measures the average of apnea and hypopnea on an hourly basis, and only then, the severity identified. Also, sleep apnea severity is classified into three types:

  • Mid Sleep Apnea (5-14 events/hour)
  • Moderate Sleep Apnea (15-29 events/hour)
  • Severe Sleep Apnea (30 or more events/hour) 

Sleep Apnea becomes a concern when the severity is moderate/severe. This condition directly impacts the nervous system and cardiac functioning of an individual’s body.   There is a solution and a treatment for these conditions. For those wondering can sleep apnea can be cured, the answer is yes. Some things can help this condition. They are:

  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine can improve sleeping patterns 
  • Changing your sleeping position. 
  • Medications 
  • Wearing a mouthpiece while sleeping can help ensure uninterrupted airflow. 
  • Sleep Apnea Surgery. 

Sleep Apnea Treatment: 

Although Sleep Apnea can be cured by making lifestyle changes, those with severe conditions may require Sleep Apnea Treatment and undergo throat or nasal surgeries. 

When Is It Time to Seek Professional Help?

Not all snorers and those people who are extra sleepy have sleep apnea. Nonetheless, when you or a loved one start to notice signs, like intermittent interruptions in breathing at night, loud snoring, morning headaches, or excessive drowsiness, it is high time to seek help. Sleep apnea is not only an inconvenience to your sleep, but it can also impact your general health, which includes the cardiovascular system, metabolism, and even mental health. 

 

Rules of thumb is that you should consult a healthcare provider:

  • In the middle of the night, you wake up gasping or choking. 
  • You are constantly fatigued even though you are sleeping 7-8 hours. 
  • Your significant other observes that you have been taking long gaps in breaths during sleep. 
  • During the day, you experience trouble concentrating, mood variations, and loss of memory. 
  • You have a history of obesity, smoking, or a family history of sleep apnea. 

 

High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and even accidents due to drowsiness are some of the risks that may occur if you delay treating it. This is why early diagnosis and intervention are needed. If you are already searching for sleep apnea treatment near me, you are already moving in the right direction with regard to safeguarding your future health. 

Your oral health is another factor to be taken into consideration. Some Dental professionals are able to assist with screening for sleep apnea. They can see constricted airways, grinding teeth, or jaw position, all of which can be the causes of difficulties with breathing at night. This makes your dental checkups a significant process in ensuring that you identify your potential concerns at an early stage before they develop into serious concerns. 

New developments in technology and care also bring with them new sleep apnea treatment options besides the conventional CPAP machine.  

Take the First Step to a Better Sleep

When you have realized that you or a loved one has sleep apnea, the next most important step you can take would be to make an appointment with a reliable healthcare provider. An adequate diagnosis includes a sleep test or a home test that will give you a clear image of what ails you and will help you in achieving an effective treatment. 

The positive aspect is that sleep apnea is manageable. Treatment strategies, such as lifestyle modifications, weight control, smoking cessation, or sleep position, may be part of your treatment plan depending on the severity. Sleep quality can be drastically improved by using such devices as CPAP machines or personalized oral appliances prescribed by a dentist. In further complicated situations, surgical procedures could be contemplated in order to secure free airflow. 

The first step in locating a specialist for sleep apnea is searching online using the following query: sleep apnea treatment near me.  

Sleep is not a thing of luxury—suffering is important to your health and well-being. Do not put it off until you get worse. Get one step closer to sleeping better, having more energy, and staying healthy.  discuss with your medical provider or dentist the type of new treatment for sleep apnea that best fits you. 

To Conclude: 

Sleep Apnea is a common condition that affects the sleep pattern. It is essential not to overlook the symptoms. So, if your partner or family member shows such symptoms, visit your healthcare provider now.