Sleep Apnea
Characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, Sleep Apnea is typically diagnosed with an overnight sleep test. Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed by a medical doctor.
Most people with Sleep Apnea are rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Symptoms may be present for years without notice and the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with this sleep disorder.
Sleep Apnea Signs & Symptoms
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Restless sleep
- Snoring with intermittent pauses
- Poor memory and clouded intellect
- Morning headaches
- Decreased sex drive and impotence
- Personality changes and irritability
Studies have also shown that there is a correlation between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and cardiovascular diseases.
Quiz: True or False*
If you answer true more than twice, you may have a sleep disorder called Sleep Apnea.
- I feel sleepy during the day, even when I get a good night’s sleep.
- I get very irritable when I can’t sleep.
- I often wake up at night and have trouble falling back asleep.
- It usually takes me a long time to fall asleep.
- I often wake up very early and can’t fall back to sleep.
- I usually feel achy and stiff when I wake up in the morning.
- I often seem to wake up because of dreams.
- I sometimes wake up gasping for breath.
- My bed partner says my snoring keeps her/him from sleeping.
- I’ve fallen asleep driving. *Quiz is provided courtesy of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine