The symptoms of sleep apnea may not be obvious to the patient himself
Sleep Apnea is a debilitating and oftentimes life-threatening disorder characterized by breathing cessation during slumber. “Apnea” literally means to stop breathing. In sleep apnea sufferers, breathing can cease for just a few seconds or last for minutes. The first signs of sleep apnea are usually noticed by family members and include snoring and gagging.
Sleep apnea sufferers are usually tired all day, complain of headaches, and wake with sore throats, but these and other symptoms of sleep apnea can have other causes, as well.
Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Waking up with a very sore and/or dry throat
- Loud snoring – sometimes loud enough to drive one’s sleeping partner to another room
- Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
- Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day, or falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Sleepiness while driving or performing other somewhat boring activities
- Morning headaches, from sleep and oxygen deprivation
- Restless sleep, often noticed by one’s sleeping partner
- Forgetfulness, mood changes, depression and a decreased interest in sex
- Recurrent awakenings or insomnia
Sleep apnea is only one possible cause of the common symptoms of sleep apnea
For instance, a morning headache may be a symptom of sleep apnea, but it could also be caused by a number of other factors. Snoring can be caused by a stuffy nose from a cold or allergies; the consumption of alcohol before bedtime; enlarged adenoids; obesity; a deviated septum – and many other causes. Anxiety, depression and other mood disorders can be caused by excess stress, hormone disruptions such as hyperthyroidism, and many other causes.
Since the symptoms of sleep apnea can also be signs of other illnesses, and some of those conditions are life-threatening, you doctor will want to do a thorough physical exam before making a diagnosis of sleep apnea.
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My husband was given a machine a few months ago and uses it very infrequently,maybe 2 or 3 times amonth for a couple of hours a time! How can I encourage him to use it ‘properly’!! Until then,back to the earplugs but my ears are getting soooo sore. Help please!!
Was the machine prescribed by his doctor? If so, and he doesn’t think he needs it, you might try setting up a recorder in the bedroom. If he can hear what you hear, he might understand your problem.
Good luck!