Sleep apnea is a common phenomenon, but despite its widespread reach, not many people know they suffer from it. It’s a sleep disorder that can significantly affect your health and day-to-day life, especially since it disrupts the quality of one’s sleep.
However, sleep apnea symptoms can be very subtle and hard to identify, which is why it is all the more important to learn about its signs and symptoms.
Rather than asking, “How do I know if I have sleep apnea?” Just carry on reading this blog. We have listed all the warning signs of sleep apnea below so you can easily determine whether or not you suffer from this sleep disorder.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that tends to affect your health and sleep cycle. It is usually categorized as waking up in the middle of the night gasping due to shortness of breath. This is why sleep apnea is named what it is, since “apnea” refers to brief breathing pauses during sleep.
However, because of the complexity of this disorder, there are numerous factors that help define it. Thus, keeping that in mind, sleep apnea can be sorted into three sub-types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea (CSA), and complex sleep apnea.
How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?
You’ve probably heard someone describe sleep apnea or read up on some of its symptoms, causing you to wonder if you have sleep apnea. But the thing is, numerous factors can cause sleep apnea, and sometimes the warning signs are related to another condition altogether.
Nonetheless, mentioned below are some of the most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. Although before self-diagnosing, it is better to visit a sleep specialist and get professionally evaluated.
- Loud Snoring During The Night
Snoring loudly can be a side effect of sleep apnea due to the tissues in your throat relaxing at night. - Having Difficulty Staying Asleep
Restlessness is pretty common. But if you find yourself tossing and turning in bed every night, unable to stay asleep for long, it may be a cause for concern. - Throat Feeling Dry After Waking Up
A dry or sore throat upon waking up is usually associated with allergies, but it can also be a sign of sleep apnea. - Feeling Sleepy And Tired During The Day
Due to an irregular sleeping pattern, people with sleep apnea feel drowsy during the daytime. In severe cases, it can give way to hypersomnia. - Feeling Irritable In The Morning
Much like sleepiness and a dry throat, waking up with an irritable mood instead of feeling fresh is yet another symptom of sleep apnea. - Having Trouble Concentrating
If you find yourself losing focus due to drowsiness or it’s simply too hard to concentrate on menial tasks, you may have sleep apnea. - Constantly Getting Up During The Night To Use The Bathroom
Restlessness paired with frequently getting up to urinate a sign your sleep cycle is disrupted. This all together leads to a compelling case of sleep apnea. - You Stop Breathing Mid-sleep
If your bed partner has ever told you that you stop breathing in the middle of sleep, it may be time to get checked for sleep apnea by a professional. - Abruptly Waking Up Due To Shortness of Breath
The biggest, most common symptom of sleep apnea is waking up in the middle of the night with a start, all from the lack of oxygen in your lungs.
Get A Professional Diagnosis Today!
In short, sleep apnea is a common yet complex sleep disorder. It may not be as easy to know if you have sleep apnea without a professional sleep therapist’s evaluation.
So, if you want to ensure you do not suffer from the serious effects of sleep apnea, contact Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness today at (832) 952-1199. You can also visit our clinic at 17146 N Eldridge Pkwy Suite G, Tomball, TX 77377, United States.