Obstructive sleep apnea causes more problems than many people realize. It can actually have terrible effects on your everyday life. But, how do you know if sleep apnea is the cause of your problems? There are a few symptoms you can look for to help you determine if you have the condition. Here are five signs you might have obstructive sleep apnea.
- Snoring and Breathing Problems
- Mood Changes
- Fatigue
- Brain Function Problems
- Dry Mouth and Sore Throat
While snoring isn’t necessarily a sure sign that you have sleep apnea, it is one of the signs to look for. A clearer sign that you have obstructive sleep apnea is that you gasp for breath while you sleep or wake up thinking you’re choking. It can be difficult to detect these signs. Many people don’t even realize they are experiencing these symptoms. However, your partner may be notice the problem. You may also choose to record your sleep so that you can look for these signs.
People experiencing obstructive sleep apnea may experience changes in their mood. Mostly, those that suffer from the condition may be cranky or even depressed. This is due to the fact that they aren’t getting a good night’s sleep. If you notice a change in your mood, it may be a sign of sleep apnea.
Those with obstructive sleep apnea may also experience extreme fatigue. If you notice that you get sleepy while doing less active activities, such as driving, this may be a sign. Because obstructive sleep apnea leads to waking up several times a night, you may not be getting enough deep sleep, which can make it hard to stay awake.
Another sign of obstructive sleep apnea is problems with brain function. You may not be able to concentrate as easily and you may even find yourself forgetting things more often. Children suffering from the condition may even experience ADHD and problems in school due to their inability to concentrate.
Last, but not least, another sign to look for is a dry mouth and sore throat in the mornings. This usually means that you’ve slept with your mouth open. If you don’t have a cold or allergies, it may be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea not only disrupts your sleep, but can affect your entire life. Lack of sleep can impair brain functions, cause extreme fatigue, and may even change your mood. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, you may want to consult your doctor for treatment or consider visiting a sleep specialist so that you can be tested for obstructive sleep apnea.
About the Author: Julio Pasco suffers from sleep apnea but knows that detection and treatment can make a world of difference. He loves researching health topics and is currently reading about candida on sites like yeastinfectiontreatment.org and others.
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