How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a whole night's sleep?

Over 39 million Americans do, not because they love counting sheep all night. The culprit is Sleep apnea , a serious sleep disorder that causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly throughout the night.

Even scarier? According to the American Sleep Apnea Association , a staggering 80% of moderate and severe sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed. We're talking millions of people walking around exhausted, unaware they have a treatable condition impacting their health and well-being.

So, how do you know if you might be one of them? Don't worry; we'll break it all down in this post. We'll explore the symptoms, risk factors, and how to get diagnosed.

By the end, you'll be ready to uncover the truth about your nighttime struggles (and hopefully get a good night's rest!).

If you're reading this, we assume that you are concerned that you or a loved one can be suffering from sleep apnea and we recommend speaking to a sleep medicine specialist. One of the most common ways that patients even find out they have sleep apnea is by their bed partner that complains that you stop breathing or that it sounds like you are choking in your sleep. If it is not by their bed partner, they usually discover that they have sleep apnea by going to their doctor with the common signs of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea disrupts your normal sleep patterns, leading to various symptoms throughout the night and during the day.

Here are common and silent signs to watch out for:

 Common Symptoms: 

• Loud Snoring: Snoring is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. It is typically loud and persistent, with frequent pauses in breathing.

• Choking or Gasping During Sleep: People with sleep apnea often experience episodes where they wake up gasping for air due to a blocked airway. This can be a scary experience and significantly disrupt sleep quality. Although, surprisingly some people don’t even notice waking up and most reports come from bed partners.

• Daytime Fatigue: Despite getting what seems like a whole night's sleep, you might feel excessively tired throughout the day. Sleep apnea prevents you from reaching deep sleep stages, leaving you feeling unrested and experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness.

 Silent Symptoms: 

• Morning Headaches: Sleep apnea can lead to persistent headaches in the morning upon rising. This is due to oxygen deprivation during sleep, which contributes to the regular sleep apnea headache upon waking.

• Dry Mouth: Waking up with a sore throat and dry mouth can also indicate sleep apnea. During apneas, your mouth stays open as you struggle to breathe, leading to dryness.

• Mood Changes: Sleep apnea can significantly impact your mood. The lack of quality sleep can lead to irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

One person shared their experience:

"Sleep deprivation made me feel pretty awful and easy to anger and irritate. But CPAP and sleep hygiene sorted me out. Thank God"

Another one said:

“Mild sleep apnea is, on average 5 events an hour. Imagine someone bothering you every 12 minutes while trying to sleep every night. How long can you keep that up until your sleep debt catches up with you?”

Understanding the risk factors for sleep apnea can help you take proactive steps toward better health.

Several factors can increase your chances of developing sleep apnea. Here are the primary culprits:

• Age: Sleep apnea becomes more common with age . The risk increases significantly for those over 40. Muscles supporting the airway weaken as we age, and tissue breakdown can narrow the airway.

• Weight: Being overweight or obese is a significant risk factor for sleep apnea. Excess weight can cause fatty deposits to build up around the upper airway, obstructing your breathing during sleep. According to WebMD , over 50% of people with sleep apnea are either overweight or obese.

• Genetics: A family history of sleep apnea puts you at a higher risk. If sleep apnea runs in your family, you should be extra vigilant about monitoring for symptoms.

• Lifestyle: Certain lifestyle choices can worsen sleep apnea. Smoking is a double whammy - it irritates the airway, increases inflammation, and contributes to fluid retention that can narrow the airway. Alcohol consumption can also aggravate sleep apnea by relaxing the muscles in the throat, which can further obstruct breathing during sleep.

 Lesser-Known Risk Factors 

• Nasal Congestion: Chronic nasal congestion, whether due to allergies or anatomical issues like a deviated septum, can contribute to sleep apnea by obstructing airflow.

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): This might surprise you, but high blood pressure is both a risk factor and a potential consequence of sleep apnea. The repeated strain on your cardiovascular system due to breathing interruptions can lead to high blood pressure. Conversely, untreated sleep apnea can worsen existing hypertension.

There are several effective ways to manage sleep apnea, and the best approach for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Let's explore some of the most common and effective treatment options:

 1.   CPAP Machines   : 

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines are a gold standard treatment for sleep apnea.

CPAP devices gently push air through a mask you wear while you sleep. The pressurized air keeps your airway open, preventing those sleep-disrupting breathing pauses.

• Pros: CPAP machines are highly effective, improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and lower the risk of other health-related issues. Today’s technological advancements have made great advances in comfort and effectiveness like Humidifiers that can add moisture to the air and ease dryness, autofit and minimal contact mask options with fewer contact points to reduce irritation.

• Cons: There’s a learning curve and equipment requires regular maintenance. However, there are solutions to address common CPAP discomforts.

 2.   Dental Oral Appliances   : 

Oral appliances are a good alternative for some people who find CPAP therapy difficult to tolerate. These custom-made devices fit inside your mouth and gently position your jaw forward to keep your airway open.

• Pros: Oral appliances are often less intrusive than CPAP machines. They are also portable, easy to use, and more effective for mild to moderate sleep apnea.

• Cons: Oral appliances may cause jaw discomfort or pain, especially when first used. They also may not be as effective for severe sleep apnea as CPAP therapy and may require periodic adjustments to ensure proper fit.

 3.   CPAP Alternatives   : 

CPAP Alternatives include snoring solutions, daytime therapy devices  and other accessories to help alleviate symptoms without using a CPAP Machine.

• Pros: Generally less invasive than CPAP machines and surgical options, which leads to higher compliance.

• Cons: May not be as efficient in treating severe sleep apnea.

 4.   Surgical Options   : 

Surgery is typically reserved for severe sleep apnea cases or for people who don't respond well to other treatment options. There are various surgical procedures available.

The common surgeries include:

• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP): This procedure removes tissue from the back of the throat and uvula to enlarge the airway.

• Maxillomandibular Advancement (MMA): This surgery involves surgically repositioning the jawbone forward to create more space in the airway.

Meanwhile, the major pros and cons of sleep apnea surgery treatments include:

• Pros: Surgical procedures can be a good option for patients who can't tolerate CPAP or oral appliances. In some cases, surgery may provide long-term relief from sleep apnea.

• Cons: Surgery is an invasive procedure that requires recovery time and carries the risk of complications. There's also no guarantee that surgery will completely cure sleep apnea.

Schedule a free consultation with one of our Sleep specialists A good night's sleep is within reach. Don't let sleep apnea hold you back!

If you worry about your health and keep asking: How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

https://sleeplay.com/pages/contactor explore Sleeplay's range of sleep apnea products.

We offer a variety of CPAP machines and accessories to help you get the restful sleep you deserve.