Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is a common nighttime breathing disorder that affects many Americans. Sleep apnea affects men and women of all ages; even children can suffer from sleep apnea. Without treatment, living with the disorder may cause significant complications, including daytime sleepiness, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, mood disorders, and poor daytime function. Most people who have sleep apnea do not realize that they have the condition, even though their sleep is frequently interrupted throughout the night. People suffering from sleep apnea will often wake throughout the night due to their oxygen being restricted or completely cut off. When apnea sufferers awaken, normal breathing is restored; however, they do not enter complete wakefulness. The apnea events can continue unnoticed throughout the night. With sleep apnea, breathing may temporarily stop or become shallow hundreds of times during a night’s sleep. If you’re having trouble breathing - while you’re asleep at night or during the day - it’s important to take your symptoms seriously. Once your breathing condition is diagnosed and treated by OHIOSmiles, you can start to live the healthiest life possible. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?A common sign of obstructive sleep apnea is a sore or dry throat in the morning on waking. Frequently people with apnea will wake several times during the night, sometimes by their snoring or from a choking or gasping sensation caused by their airway being blocked. During the night, these wakeful periods interrupt their sleep and cause daytime sleepiness, which is another well-documented symptom. The symptoms of sleep apnea include suffering from excessive sleepiness during the day, having headaches in the morning, feeling irritable, and being affected by mood changes. You may also experience anxiety, being affected by depression, becoming forgetful, snoring loudly and gasping for air, having a restless sleep, having trouble concentrating, and even falling asleep during the day. Please note that these symptoms vary from one person to the next. Also, be aware that the severity of the symptoms vary from one person to the next. Who Does Sleep Apnea Affect?Obstructive sleep can affect men and women at any age, and even children can develop sleep apnea. Men are at a greater risk. The risk increases if you are overweight and over 40 years of age. Other risk factors include large neck size, 17 inches or great for men or 16 inches or greater for women. Large tonsils or a large amount of tissue at the back of your throat can cause increased blockage and higher risk. Obstructive sleep apnea can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component. How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Body and MindThere are many different effects sleep apnea can have on you both physically and mentally, ranging from mildly irritating to life-threatening. One effect is excessive daytime sleepiness. Most people do not realize when they drift off for a moment or two, but the effects can be devastating. Sufferers may notice they have a problem concentrating and an increase in forgetfulness or trouble learning new things. Some of these symptoms of sleep apnea can be confused with depression symptoms because they are so similar; personality changes, irritability, mood swings, memory problems, feeling lethargic, and perhaps even feeling depressed are some of the shared similarities. Can Sleep Apnea Be Fatal?Sleep apnea can lead to death as it takes a huge toll on the body and affects other systems, leading to fatal situations such as heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke, or the patient may fall asleep while driving and have a tragic accident. It is important to know that while people between 65 to 100 years of age, or those who are overweight, are most susceptible to suffering from sleep apnea, it can still affect people who are not overweight, infants, and children. That is why if you have doubts concerning a close relative, a friend, or even yourself, you need to call OHIOSmiles at (740) 781-0540 today, as treated sleep apnea cannot only improve your quality of life but also allow your to live a long and happy life. |
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