Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. If you snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea. Other signs include abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking, morning headaches, dry mouth or sore throat upon awakening, and high blood pressure. Understanding the signs of sleep apnea is crucial, as it can be a potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Before diving into the signs of sleep apnea, it’s essential to understand the condition itself. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, the most common form that occurs when throat muscles relax; central sleep apnea, which happens when your brain doesn’t send the proper signals to the muscles that control breathing; and complex sleep apnea syndrome, which is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
In obstructive sleep apnea, the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open, despite efforts to breathe. This is the most noticeable form of sleep apnea and is often identified by a bed partner noticing interruptions in breathing.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA)
Central sleep apnea is less common and occurs when the brain doesn’t send signals to the muscles that control breathing, resulting in periods of no breathing effort at all.
Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome (CompSAS)
Also known as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea, CompSAS occurs when someone has both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Detailed Signs of Sleep Apnea
Knowing what to look for can make a huge difference in getting an early diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the most common signs to be aware of:
Loud Snoring
Loud and chronic snoring is one of the most telling signs of obstructive sleep apnea. While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, it’s often one of the first signs that prompts individuals or their partners to seek medical advice.
Episodes of Breathing Cessation
A partner may notice that the affected person stops breathing for several seconds during their sleep before choking or gasping for air—this is a hallmark sign of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Gasping or Choking During Sleep
Abrupt awakenings with a sensation of gasping or choking can indicate sleep apnea. This symptom occurs as the body’s response to resuming breathing after an apnea episode.
Restlessness During Sleep
Individuals with sleep apnea may experience restless sleep due to the repeated interruptions in their breathing pattern, causing them to toss and turn in bed.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (Hypersomnia)
Feeling excessively sleepy during the day or actually falling asleep involuntary can be a sign of sleep apnea. This symptom is due to disrupted sleep at night resulting in poor sleep quality.
Difficulty Concentrating and Irritability
Because sleep apnea affects sleep quality and overall sleep quantity, it can lead to difficulty concentrating, irritability, and in some cases, depression.
Morning Headaches
Frequent morning headaches can result from the low oxygen or the fragmented sleep patterns caused by sleep apnea.
Awakening with a Dry Mouth or Sore Throat
People with sleep apnea may wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat. This is often due to breathing through the mouth while sleeping and possible snoring.
High Blood Pressure
Having hypertension, particularly if it’s difficult to control, can be related to sleep apnea. Oxygen levels drop during apnea events, causing blood pressure to rise.
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Decreased Libido
The lack of quality sleep and the strain on the body due to sleep apnea can lead to a decreased sex drive or sexual dysfunction.
Insomnia
Difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia) can be associated with sleep apnea, especially in the case of central sleep apnea, where the brain’s signaling interferes with the sleep cycle.
Nocturnal Snorting, Gasping, or Choking
These symptoms might not just be a concern to a bed partner but can repeatedly disturb sleep and be of concern to the individual with sleep apnea.
Risks and Complications Associated with Sleep Apnea
Heart Problems and High Blood Pressure
Frequent episodes of low oxygen levels and the efforts to breathe against a closed airway can put a strain on the heart, potentially leading to hypertension, heart disease, or stroke.
Type 2 Diabetes
Sleep apnea is common in people with type 2 diabetes due to its influence on insulin resistance.
Liver Problems
People with sleep apnea are more likely to have abnormal liver function tests, and their livers are more likely to show signs of scarring (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease).
Sleep-Deprived Partners
The snoring and restlessness caused by sleep apnea can also affect the sleep quality of a partner.
Getting Diagnosed and Treated
If you suspect that you or someone you know has sleep apnea, it’s essential to seek a medical evaluation. A primary care doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist, who will likely recommend a sleep study, known as polysomnography, to diagnose the condition accurately. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, oral appliances, or in some severe cases, surgery.
Finishing Thoughts
Being aware of the signs of sleep apnea can be life-saving. Not only does acknowledgment of these symptoms pave the way for treatment and relief, but it also mitigates the risk of serious health complications. Between lifestyle modifications and advancements in treatments, managing sleep apnea is more achievable than ever. Anyone experiencing signs of sleep apnea should seek medical attention promptly to ensure they receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to their needs. Remember, good quality sleep is not a luxury; it’s a pillar of good health.
