Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that can have significant impacts on your overall health and quality of life. Characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, this condition often goes undiagnosed.
ALSO SEE: What are the different sleep stages?
Recognising the warning signs early can help you seek proper medical attention and prevent potential long-term health complications.
1. Loud and persistent snoring
While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and chronic snoring is often the most prominent warning sign of the disorder.
If your snoring is so loud that it disturbs your partner or can be heard through walls, it could indicate an obstruction in your airways. Pay special attention if the snoring is accompanied by gasping or choking sounds during sleep.
2. Excessive daytime sleepiness
Feeling constantly tired despite seemingly getting enough hours of sleep is a red flag for sleep apnea. People with this condition often experience:
- Difficulty staying awake during meetings or while driving
- Overwhelming fatigue throughout the day
- Needing frequent naps
- Feeling unrefreshed even after a full night’s sleep
3. Morning headaches
Waking up with a headache is another potential indicator of sleep apnea. These headaches occur due to the decreased oxygen levels and disrupted sleep patterns associated with the disorder. If you consistently experience headaches upon waking, especially accompanied by other symptoms, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
4. Observed breathing pauses during sleep
This symptom is often first noticed by a partner or family member. If someone observes that you:
- Stop breathing momentarily during sleep
- Have irregular breathing patterns
- Seem to gasp or choke while sleeping
These could be clear signs of sleep apnea. Such breathing interruptions can occur multiple times per hour, significantly disrupting your sleep cycle.
5. Mood changes and cognitive difficulties
Chronic sleep disruption can lead to significant mental health and cognitive challenges, too. People with untreated sleep apnea might experience:
- Increased irritability
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
6. High blood pressure
Sleep apnea can contribute to and exacerbate hypertension. The repeated oxygen deprivation and stress of interrupted sleep can strain your cardiovascular system. If you have high blood pressure that seems resistant to treatment, sleep apnea might be an underlying cause.
7. Physical signs and risk factors
Certain physical characteristics and risk factors increase the likelihood of sleep apnea:
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a large neck circumference
- Being male
- Being over 40 years old
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
When to seek medical help
If you recognize multiple signs from this list, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider. They may recommend a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea definitively. Treatment options include:
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines
- Oral appliances
- Lifestyle modifications
- In some cases, surgical interventions
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
ALSO SEE:
