Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is a medical condition which causes a patient to temporarily stop breathing, during sleep. This condition is frequently misdiagnosed and may be caused or aggravated by other health conditions, such as obesity or tonsilitis. Sleep apnea usually occurs in cyclical fashion throughout the sleep cycle. Many sleep apnea causes are mechanical in nature, such as an obstuction of the airway or throat and nose malformations. This type of sleep apnea is known as “obstuctive sleep apnea, which is the most common type. The other type, “central sleep apnea,” occurs when the brain does not send the appropriate signal to the muscles which control breathing.

Often the patient is unaware of the condition although they may notice loud snoring which is the most common symptom of sleep apnea. Other common apnea symptoms include frequent daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, loss of energy, enuresis (urine release during sleep), restless sleep and frequent nightmares.
If one suspects sleep apnea, the symptoms should not be ignored, and their ongoing manifestation can lead to a variety of serious medical issues. Sleep apnea side effects can have grave health consequences since complications include hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke, impotence, memory loss and even death. These conditions can create or aggravate other medical conditions, as well.

In addition to the havoc that sleep apnea perpetuates on the body, there are also a variey of social and emotional symptoms which may signal the serious lack of vital sleep created by the condition. These sleep apnea symptoms include irriaibility, forgetfulness, mood and behavioral changes, trouble concentrating, anxiety and depresssion. What sould you do if you believe that you may be a victim of sleep apnea? Although sleep apnea is best diagnosed in a sleep laboratory, there are home tests that can assist you in deciding if furthur diagnoses is necessary. Additionally, you may keep a sleep diary to indicate frequency of awakenings and morning symptoms. Your sleep partner may be able to help you keep track of other apnea symptoms you may exhibit while sleeping, such as choking, gasping or loud snoring. Video taping yourself while sleeping may also provide insight.

The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable. Simple lifestyle changes such as weight control, smoking cessation, maintenance of regular sleep times and avoidance of alcohol, caffiene, heavy meals, sleeping pills and sedatives can all help in the prevention of sleep apnea. Sleeping on your side, propping up your head and opening your nasal passages can also alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. If you have tried self-help techniques and your apnea persists, “Continuous Positive Air Flow (CPAP)” technology or other medical treatments may be indicated. You may want to consult the “American Academy of Sleep Medicine” website to find a sleep specialist in your area.