Unmasking Sleep Apnea: Recognizing the Common Signs

Sleep apnea is a common, but potentially serious, sleeping disorder in which breathing stops and starts. It affects millions of people worldwide, some of which remain undiagnosed and unaware of the risks to their health. If you snore loudly or feel lethargic even after a full night of rest, you may have sleep apnea. Recognizing the signs of this disorder is crucial for early detection and an effective treatment program. 

Some of the common signs of sleep apnea include:

• Loud snoring- If you or your partner snore loudly and almost every night, it might be a sign of sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This type on sleep apnea happens due to partial or complete blockages during sleep within the airways.
• Pauses in breathing- When you are asleep, normal breathing patterns should occur. However, in individuals with sleep apnea, pauses in breathing occurs and can last a few seconds leading to choking or gasping sensations. You may be woken up due to this feeling. If you stop breathing during sleep, contact your doctor.
• Headaches- If you are waking up with headaches, it may be due to the decrease in oxygen levels and strain on the body during sleep apnea episodes.
• Dry mouth- Patients with sleep apnea often wake up with a dry mouth and sometimes a sore throat as they are breathing through their mouth.
• Irritability- This condition can impact your mood due to the lack of “good” sleep. If you notice feelings of moodiness, it might be worth it to call your doctor for an evaluation.
• Daytime sleepiness- Feeling tired during the day is common with people who suffer from sleep apnea as you are not getting a full night’s rest. You may notice you have difficulty concentrating.