Apnea sufferers are often unaware of the breathless episodes which are characteristic of this sleep disorder and many cases go untreated due to sufferers not suspecting they may be sufferers. Often a family member, typically a bed partner, first suspects the symptoms of sleep apnea. Recent research has shown that up to 90% of people who have sleep apnea may not even realise they suffer from it. Others could be aware but do not believe that sleeping problems are a medical issue. Even if they are having sleep related problems they fail to mention them to their doctor and as a consequence go undiagnosed and untreated.
Risks of Sleep Apnea
Though sleep apnea can be treated, it often goes unrecognized. It is a continuing condition which typically results in sleep deprivation. Untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous and can cause major health issues and an overall decline in one’s standard of life. People suffering from sleep apnea have an increased risk of auto accidents and elevated blood pressure, and might have an increased risk of diabetes, heart attack and stroke.
Sleep Apnea Quiz
Your answers to this questionnaire will help you to decide whether you could suffer with sleep apnea:
Do you suffer from loud snoring?
Whilst snoring is the most indicative sign of sleep apnea (more common in obstructive sleep apnea) it has many causes and the presence of snoring is not, by itself an indication of sleep apnea (it is estimated that one in 5 adults suffer from constant snoring) – however most sleep apnea sufferers do snore. Because obstructive sleep apnea is related to medical illnesses such as heart problems, strokes and a higher risk of sudden death consideration should be given to undertake sleep apnea testing to differentiate between the 2 problems.
Do you experience frequent choking episodes during the night?
Do you stop breathing while sleeping or experience long pauses in breathing?
Are you suffer from excessive daytime tiredness?
Do you have Insomnia?
This is very common in central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea.
Do you ever wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat?
Are your reflexes slower than normal?
Do you have feelings of irritation or depression?
Do you wake up with morning headaches?
Do you need to urinate frequently at night?
Are you affected by impotence or reduced sex drive?
Some sleep apnea sufferers will notice a decrease in sexual function and this can ultimately result in impotency.
Is sweating while sleeping a problem?
Do you suffer from hypertension which is not linked with any other condition?
A less clear sign of sleep apnea is an increase in blood pressure which may lead to several cardiovascular issues. Unless you are among those that monitor their own blood pressure regularly at home this is unlikely to be detected until you have undertaken a routine physical examination at your doctor’s office.
Did you respond YES to any of the above?
As with several conditions, individual symptoms by themselves might be an indicator of almost anything. Nevertheless when you spot these signs of sleep apnea together it is advisable to see your surgeon and seek a medical opinion.
After suffering from symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea for many years the writer, Peter Patterson, went through sleep apnea testing to properly diagnose his health condition. His web site is full of helpful information making reference to all facets of this sleeping problem.