Millions of Americans suffer from sleep apnea, the worst part is, most people aren’t even aware they suffer from it. Due to its relatively common nature, many people brush off sleep apnea as a normal part of life. However, sleep apnea is extremely dangerous and disruptive to the quality level of your health. Not only does it affect you while you are asleep, it also affects your waking life. If you are unsure if you suffer from sleep apnea, there are ways to test if you are. An overnight oximetry test can determine if you suffer from sleep apnea. However, if you are unable to come in and take an overnight test, here are a few signs that can indicate you have sleep apnea.
Loud Snoring
Loud snoring is one of the more common signs of sleep apnea. Not only that, it is probably one of the most annoying for loved ones and family members who are kept awake at night from the snoring. Gasping, snorting, or choking are other signs that the person may not be breathing while they are asleep. This can last for seconds upwards to 3 minutes.
Interrupted Breathing
Many people do not realize that sleep apnea is more than just snoring; it is the absence of breathing. Suffers may stop breathing for several consecutive minutes. A loud grunting or uncontrollable noise where the sufferer is attempting to regain their breath may suddenly follow this absence of breathing. More than likely, the person suffering from sleep apnea is completely unaware that this is happening frequently throughout the night.
Waking Up Tired
Some days and weeks are more stressful than others, ultimately making us more tired. However, if a person is consistently waking up tired it might be because of sleep apnea. Due to the constant sleep interruptions throughout the night, regardless if the person is aware these disturbances are occurring, they still do not make for restful, quality sleep. A pulse oximetry test can help determine if that chronic fatigue could be related to sleep apnea.
Change in Mood
Lack of sleep makes anyone grumpy. If someone who suffers from sleep apnea is experiencing this while untreated they may not be getting the quality sleep they need. As a result, their waking mood suffers immensely. Lack of sleep can cause changes in mood, alertness, and ability to concentrate.
Dry Mouth
One of the most common, but unknown, symptoms of sleep apnea is dry mouth. Waking up in the morning with dry mouth, dry lips, or a sore throat could be an indicator of sleep apnea. This usually happens when there is not enough saliva being produced throughout the night to keep the throat, mouth, and lips moist.
Nighttime Urination
It’s not uncommon to have to wake in the middle of the night to use the restroom. Most healthy adults can go without using the restroom while asleep for anywhere between 6-8 hours. However, those who suffer from sleep apnea may have to use it more than twice in one sleeping period. This is also known as nocturia and is a symptom of sleep apnea.
Restless Sleep
Sleep apnea affects the quality of sleep in sufferers. Restless sleep is characterized as a tossing and turning with very little actual sleep. Those who suffer from sleep apnea may experience restless sleep. This is not only a physical symptom, but some believe could be a psychological symptom as well.
Headaches
Headaches are a symptom of countless other illnesses, however, it is also a symptom of sleep apnea. Those who do suffer from sleep apnea may experience headaches or migraines early in the morning. Sensitivity to light and sound, as well as a constant throbbing, are indicators of a coming headache or a migraine. Over the counter, relief is available, although, the root of the issue is lack of quality sleep.
Changes in weight
Sleep is an important part of any weight loss program. But, those who suffer from sleep apnea may struggle with losing weight. On the other hand, some may experience weight gain. This is because sleep apnea often goes hand in hand with excessive weight or excessive weight gain. Excess fatty tissue around the neck makes it difficult to breathe.
If you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, it is important to take an oximetry test as soon as possible. Take back your life and get better, restful sleep; find out the home oxygen qualifications today.
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