11 Signs That You May Have Sleep Apnea

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Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that affects all age ranges and genders. It occurs when the normal breathing of a person is repeatedly interrupted while sleeping. This may occur up to a few hundreds of times during the night.

There are two recognized types of sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA).

Sleep apnea is more prevalent in the following groups: 

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  • Overweight and obese persons.
  • Older than 40 years of age
  • Males with neck sizes larger than 17 inches and females larger than 16 inches.
  • People with a large tongue, enlarged tonsils or small jawbones.
  • With a family history of sleep apnea.
  • Persons suffering from nasal obstruction ascribed to sinus conditions, allergies, or a deviated septum. 

Statistics show that sleep apnea affects between 24 percent to 31 percent of men. In women, this figure is lower (9 percent to 21 percent of the female population). In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 18 million adults have OSA.

Premature children are at higher risk of developing sleep apnea with children younger than 8 years of age with a prevalence rate of up to 20 percent.

Sleep apnea is caused when the upper airway is blocked off by the walls of the throat, this causes the person to stop breathing for a period ranging between 10 seconds up to a minute. When the brain detects a drop in the levels of oxygen or the lack of breathing, it triggers a wake-up response from the person. This allows the upper airway to be opened again and the person moves back to sleep.Sleep apnea is particularly dangerous as it increases the risk of drowsy driving in adults.

Whilst there is no cure for OSA, CPAP machines and masks are effective ways to manage the sleeping disorder. CPAP refers to ‘continuous positive airway pressure’ where constant air pressure is delivered via a hose and mask.

Beyond CPAP therapy, there are surgical procedures and dental appliances that assist with airflow. You may also be recommended to make some lifestyle changes that may have a positive impact on your quality of sleep. These include minimising alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and losing weight.

Signs That You May Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

One of the easiest ways to identify whether you have OSA is by asking your partner. This is because due to the blocked airflow, people with sleep apnea will often snore heavily, choke, gasp and even stop breathing during their sleep.

These are the common symptoms that you have sleep apnea:

1. Chronic snoring

2. Feeling tired all the time during the day

3. Difficulty concentrating on tasks

4. High and frequent irritability

5. Memory recall difficulties

6. Waking up with a dry mouth

7. Waking up with a headache (frequently)

8. Trouble learning new skills and/or concepts

9. Falling asleep at work/school during the day

10. Feeling depressed

11. Erectile dysfunction (scientists don’t know why this happens but studies show that erectile dysfunction is common in men who have OSA)

If you have any of the above symptoms, you should consider seeking a sleep specialist. But before doing so, make a record of your sleep, fatigue levels and any other symptoms you may be having. Having data of your symptoms will make it easier for a sleep specialist to diagnose whether or not you have OSA

You may undergo a sleep study where you are required an overnight stay to monitor your sleep state, eye movement, heart rate, respiratory effort, blood oxygen levels etc.

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