Could You be Suffering from Sleep Apnea?

You've seen 'em: the cartoons about how loudly a husband (or wife) snores, those sitcoms on TV that use that snucking and snorting sound as a piece of comedy. Though snoring has become a source of humor and gaiety, it can actually be a side effect of a more serious problem: sleep apnea.

Sometimes a snore's a snore; but how do you know? There are some symptoms and risk factors you need to consider to help you deduce whether or not you are suffering from this potentially dangerous disorder.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

As already mentioned, snoring can be a good indicator as to whether or not someone is suffering from sleep apnea. The key to the snoring is, however, whether or not the snoring stops. If the snoring stops, does the person resume regular breathing? Or do they stop breathing all together? If the person stops breathing for a period of time (no matter if it is for 3 seconds or for 30) they are most likely suffering from sleep apnea.

If the person is also gagging or choking in their sleep, this is a fairly clear indicator that it isn't a simple case of “the snores” they're suffering from.

Daytime drowsiness is also common, due to the disrupted sleep they had the night before. Those who regularly snore and do not have sleep apnea generally report that they feel quite refreshed in the morning, as they haven't been waking themselves up all night because of breathing problems.

Who is at Risk for Sleep Apnea?

Those who are overweight tend to have the highest risk for sleep apnea. Age plays a role in sleep apnea as well. Infants, particularly if they are premature, also often suffer from sleep apnea as their airway is not quite fully developed yet (this tends to resolve itself in time, but still be sure to bring it up with your doctor).

There are physical reasons why some suffer from sleep apnea as well. If you have a deviated septum, receding chin, large tongue, large tonsils, or suffer from a nasal congestion or blockage, these can be the cause behind your sleep apnea. Those who drink, smoke cigarettes and/or take sedatives are also at a higher risk, as these three things all relax the throat and tongue muscles, allowing for sleep apnea to occur.

What are the Long Term Effects of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is not something to be taken lightly. If left untreated, you have an increased risk for high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, diabetes and obesity. The chance of suffering from heart failure rises, and many have irregular heartbeats due to their interrupted sleep. Sleep apnea can also lead to sleep deprivation, which has several detrimental effects on our body and minds if not looked after.

Though sleep apnea for some may be a genetic disorder, there are suitable treatments available for all, such as mouth pieces, surgery, breathing devices and especially lifestyle changes. Be sure to make an appointment with your health care practitioner for more help and guidance.

photo by Maja Lampe