Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea: What to Look for and What to Do
Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing stops and starts while you're sleeping, affecting over 936 million people worldwide. If you or your partner suspects you have this sleep disorder, it can be difficult to know for sure since it only occurs during sleep. However, there are several key symptoms that may indicate sleep apnea, especially if you experience more than one of them.
To help understand these symptoms, we recently spoke with Joshua Piper, Sleep Clinician at ResMed UK, and Dr. Carleara Weiss, Sleep Science Advisor at Aeroflow Healthcare, to gather expert insight on the signs of sleep apnea, what causes it, and what you can do if you think you might have it.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea interrupts your breathing during sleep, sometimes for seconds or even minutes, cutting off oxygen to your brain and body. The condition has two main types: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway, and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA), which happens when the brain fails to signal the muscles responsible for breathing.
According to Joshua Piper, the condition is often overlooked. "Many people don’t even know they have it until they start seeking help for constant fatigue or other symptoms," he says. Sleep apnea not only disrupts sleep but also increases the risk of serious health issues like heart disease and strokes.
5 Major Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
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Nighttime Awakenings
Sleep apnea causes frequent nighttime awakenings as your brain jolts you awake to resume breathing. Many people, especially women, might not realize the link between their interrupted sleep and apnea. -
Waking Up with a Headache and Dry Mouth
Morning headaches and a dry mouth can be signs that your sleep has been disrupted by apnea, often caused by mouth breathing or reduced oxygen levels during sleep. -
Daytime Fatigue and Moodiness
Despite spending enough time in bed, you may feel tired throughout the day. This lack of restorative sleep can also result in irritability or mood swings. -
Pauses in Breathing During Sleep
One of the hallmark signs of sleep apnea is interrupted breathing, which your partner might notice if they observe you stopping or gasping for air during sleep. -
Loud Snoring
Snoring, especially loud snoring, is a common sign of obstructed breathing during sleep. If your partner complains about your snoring, this could be a tell-tale sign of OSA.
What Causes Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea can result from a variety of factors, including physical traits like a narrow airway or large tonsils, as well as lifestyle choices like weight gain, alcohol consumption, and sleeping on your back. These factors can exacerbate the condition and make sleep apnea worse over time.
What to Do if You Think You Have Sleep Apnea
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to seek advice from a sleep specialist. Persistent symptoms, even after trying lifestyle changes, suggest a need for a comprehensive assessment. Dr. Weiss recommends either a lab-based or home sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.
By recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment, you can prevent the serious health complications that may arise from untreated sleep apnea.
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