Sleep Apnea Symptoms: Why It Makes Sense to Keep a Close Watch on the Most Important One
While millions of Americans fall victim to this utterly disabling sleep disorder, there is something paradoxical about sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep apnea continues to be one of the most undiagnosed and hence untreated health conditions. This is despite most people being aware of its short term distress as well as long term, at times fatal consequences.
The primary reason for sleep apnea to remain undiagnosed is because the symptoms are difficult to catch, as they show up only during sleep. Mostly, it is the bed partner who notices the extreme distress the victim is experiencing during sleep, and calls for medical treatment.
Even with this elusive profile, the symptoms do get noticed by the victim sooner than later. As far as acquiring more knowledge about the signs and symptoms of this disorder is concerned, perhaps becoming aware of factors that contribute to the risk of developing these symptoms makes more sense. Incidentally, many of these factors are also likely sleep apnea causes:
* More than 50% people diagnosed with sleep apnea are obese. Obesity is one of the leading sleep apnea causes.
* Advancing age is another factor that increases the risk. More common in men than women, sleep apnea is common with men above 65 years of age.
* Consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol.
* Genetic factors
* More than 50% sleep apnea patients have high blood pressure. Smoking, metabolic disorders, high blood glucose levels, stroke and heart failure are closely linked to this disorder.
* Narrow airways of the nose, mouth and throat could make one vulnerable for developing sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea symptoms: what your bed partner may notice
* Loud and persistent snoring
* Snoring interspersed with recurrent pauses
* Restlessness during sleep; repeated tosses and turns in bed.
There are several sleep apnea symptoms that are noticed by the victim as well. Rapid and unexplained weight gain, sore throat and dry mouth on waking up, headaches in the morning, drowsiness, irritability and mood disorders like depression, problems with focusing, tendency to take short and frequent naps and forgetfulness are some of these symptoms.
Also, the victim feels excessive tiredness during the day. This is an extremely important differentiator in the sense that this symptom clearly points towards sleep apnea as any other ordinary snoring would normally not interfere with daytime alertness. Daytime fatigue caused by sleep apnea is a very clear indicator of the onset of the condition.
It is common knowledge that sleep apnea is a serious health disorder and ignoring even the tiniest indicator could have grievous consequences. A visit to a sleep doctor and asking for a sleep apnea test is perhaps the wisest decision one can take.
Perhaps the most important aspect to keep a watch on is the daytime tiredness. It is worthwhile to remember that not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. If you feel that excessive daytime tiredness is overwhelming as well as disabling, it is time to talk to a doctor. The more proactive you are in diagnosing the condition, the better chances you have to arrest the growth of the condition and get cured.
Learn more about sleep apnea symptoms. Stop by Douglas Kidder’s site where you can find out all about sleep apnea causes and how you can deal with it.