Do I Have Sleep Apnea Symptoms? A Comprehensive Guide

Do you snore loudly and feel tired even after sleeping through the night? If so, you may be experiencing

sleep apnea

symptoms. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can lead to heart problems and other complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are ways to diagnose and treat sleep apnea. In this article, we'll discuss the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, how to get tested, and the available treatments.Loud snoring is a common sign of sleep apnea, but not everyone with the condition snores.

If you're feeling fatigued, sleepy, and irritable, talk to your doctor about any sleep problems you may be having. Before undergoing surgery, it's important to tell your doctor if you have

obstructive sleep apnea

or any related symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a sleep study to diagnose the condition.People with sleep apnea often show signs of restless sleep during the night. If you find yourself kicking, punching, shaking, or waking up under a pile of disheveled sheets, it could be a sign of apnea.

When your breathing is interrupted during the night, it can make it difficult to get restful sleep. The team of pulmonary specialists at university hospitals can provide care for even the most complex lung and sleep disorders.If you have obstructive sleep apnea, undergoing major surgery can worsen your breathing problems. Untreated apnea can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some headache syndromes. To diagnose sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a sleep study at a sleep center.

This test measures heart rate, lung activity, brain activity, breathing patterns, arm and leg movements, and oxygen levels while you sleep.Poor quality sleep caused by apnea can also interfere with your immune system and make you more prone to catching colds. Central sleep apnea is less common than obstructive sleep apnea but shares some common signs and symptoms. People with this condition experience repeated awakenings throughout the night that make it difficult to get restful sleep. Your bedmate may also notice that your snoring is marked by pauses in breathing.One treatment for central sleep apnea involves using a device that uses positive pressure to keep your airway open while you sleep.

Obstructive sleep apnea increases the risk of having abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), which can lower blood pressure. The best way to know if you have sleep apnea is to undergo a sleep pattern study as part of your initial evaluation.If left untreated, obstructive sleep apnea can increase your risk of several diseases including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some headache syndromes. Snoring doesn't necessarily indicate anything potentially serious and not everyone who snores has obstructive sleep apnea. Fortunately, there are treatments available for both central and obstructive sleep apnea.