What are the most common Sleep Apnea Symptoms?

There are a number of different sleep apnea symptoms that you should be aware of.  You should be aware of these sleep apnea symptoms because sleep apnea is a serious disorder that can result in death if left untreated.

Unfortunately, for many sufferers of sleep apnea the symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of other diseases and disorders.  Therefore, it is extremely difficult at times to pin point the exact cause.  Complicating matters even further there are three different varieties of sleep apnea central, obstructive, and mixed.

Snoring is most commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea and is the most common of the many sleep apnea symptoms.

Central sleep apnea is due to the brain’s respiratory control centers not functioning properly while you are asleep.  This results in less oxygen reaching your blood stream.  In contrast, Obstructive Sleep Apnea is due to physical blockage rather than a neurological dysfunction.

Mixed Sleep Apnea is a result of both Obstructive and Central Sleep Apnea occurring in the same individual.  Snoring is only one of the Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Mixed Sleep Apnea Symptoms, not a symptom of Central Sleep Apnea.

 

Sleep Apnea Symptomssleep apnea symptoms

  • Experiencing a sore or dry throat after a full night’s rest
  • Excessive and Loud Snoring
  • Waking up feeling like you are choking, and gasping for air
  • Lack of stamina, and feeling tired during the day
  • Sleepiness while driving
  • Inability to sleep without feeling restless
  • Headaches early in the morning
  • Forgetfulness, mood changes, and a decreased interest in sex
  • Constantly waking up during the night, inability to fall asleep

If you are experiencing these symptoms it’s important that you understand that medical treatment as soon as possible.

In spite of the beliefs of many snoring is not the same thing as sleep apnea, but merely a symptom of a much larger problem.  It is estimated that over 12 million Americans have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The problem is by no means limited to the older generation either.  In fact, it is estimated that sleep apnea effects as many as 1 in 10 children.  If your child is snoring at night pay close attention as to whether or not your child stops breathing for for short periods of time (a few seconds) while he or she is sleeping, or if they appear to be gasping for air.

Many poor habits can make your sleep apnea symptoms worse including over-eating, smoking cigarettes or other illegal drugs, drinking alcohol, and lack of exercise.   Some researchers have even suggested that sleep apnea may be responsible for causing what’s known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS.

Simply sleeping on your side, or with your head elevated can help alleviate these symptoms temporarily and reduce the risk but are by no means a solution.  Mouthpieces (also known as mouth guards), chin straps, and other snoring products are effective for some, and surgery is often used as a last resort.

The many Sleep Apnea symptoms should not be ignored, and it’s important to learn to recognize them so that you may deal with the problem effectively.

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