Do you Suffer from Sleep Apnea – Take a Quiz

Apnea sufferers are rarely aware of the breathless episodes which are characteristic of this sleep problem and many cases go untreated due to people not suspecting they might be sufferers. Mostly a family member, more particularly a bed partner, first suspects the symptoms of sleep apnea. The latest research has proven that up to 90% of people that suffer with sleep apnea don’t even realize they’ve got it. Others could be aware but do not believe that sleeping issues are a medical problem. Even if they are having problems they fail to relate them to their doctor and as a consequence go undiagnosed and untreated.

Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Although sleep apnea can be treated, it regularly goes unrecognized. It’s an ongoing condition which typically ends up in sleep deprivation. Untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous and can end up in major health issues and an overall decline in one’s standard of life. Sufferers of sleep apnea have an increased risk of auto accidents and high blood pressure, and could have an elevated risk of diabetes, coronary disease and stroke.

Sleep Apnea Quiz

Your answers to this test will help you to decide whether you may suffer from sleep apnea:

Do you suffer from loud snoring?

While snoring is the most indicative sign of sleep apnea (more common in obstructive sleep apnea) it has many causes and the presence of snoring isn’t by itself an indication of sleep apnea (it is calculated that one in five adults suffer with constant snoring) – however most sleep apnea sufferers do snore. Because obstructive sleep apnea is related to medical illnesses such as heart problems, strokes and an increased risk of sudden death consideration should be given to undertake sleep apnea testing to differentiate between the two issues.

Do you experience frequent choking episodes in the night?

Do you stop breathing while sleeping or experience long pauses in breathing?

Are you suffer with excessive daytime tiredness?

Do you have Insomnia?

This is more common in central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea.

Do you ever wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat?

Are your reflexes slower than normal?

Do you have feelings of irritability or depression?

Do you wake up with morning headaches?

Do you need to go to the toilet frequently at night?

Are you suffering with impotence or reduced sex drive?

Some sleep apnea sufferers will see a decline in sexual function and this can ultimately result in impotency.

Is sweating while sleeping an issue?

Do you have raised blood pressure which is not associated with any other condition?

A less obvious sign of sleep apnea is a rise in blood pressure which may lead to several cardio problems. Unless you are among those who monitor their own blood pressure constantly at home this is probably not going to be detected until you have a routine physical examination at your GP's office.

Did you answer YES to any of the above?

As with many conditions, individual symptoms by themselves might be a suggestion of almost anything. Nonetheless when you notice these indicators of sleep apnea together it's a smart move to see your surgeon and seek medical information.

After suffering from symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea for years the writer, Peter Patterson, went through sleep apnea testing to correctly diagnose his health condition. His web site is full of helpful information making reference to all facets of this sleeping problem.