Sleep Apnea – What the Symptoms and Causes Are
The main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include the following:
- Loud snoring, except during pauses in breathing
- Pauses in breathing that usually last from 10 to 30 seconds, but may last for a minute or longer
If you're not sure whether you snore or have breathing gaps, ask a close friend, relative, or partner if he or she has observed these symptoms in you. You can also tape-record yourself while you sleep.
Although you may not be aware of breathing interruptions and fragmented sleep, it's likely that you're not getting adequate rest if you suffer from daytime symptoms such as these:
- Morning headaches
- Forgetfulness or an inability to concentrate
- Tiredness
- Frequent dozing off
If your healthcare provider suspects a sleep-related breathing disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, he or she may suggest that you have a polysomnogram and possibly a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) sleep study.
A CPAP sleep study not only helps confirm the sleep apnea diagnosis but also determines whether or not CPAP therapy will be useful for you and, if so, the level of airway pressure that you need to sleep soundly.
Do not delay: Call your doctor as soon as you suspect that you have sleep apnea. Long-term sleep deprivation and breathing obstruction can have serious health consequences.
