I get this question all the time from concerned wives regarding their husband’s irregular breathing patterns when he sleeps. It can be a life threatening condition so it is important to be aware of sleep apnea symptoms so that you can seek a proper medical diagnosis if they are occurring.
Sleep apnea symptoms range from mild to severe. While one patient may only experience snoring and gasping another may develop depression, gain weight and have changes to their personality.
Snoring can be a big giveaway when it comes to identifying sleep apnea. Loud, persistent snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. It will start shortly after falling asleep, continuing at a regular pace and increasing in volume. It is then interrupted by an extended quiet period during which breathing as stopped. This stillness is then broken by a loud snort or gasp and then snoring starts again and the sequence repeats. Be watchful for your husband waking up choking or gasping for air.
Snoring however is common in itself. Around 40% of adults snore. So while snoring is almost always apparent in sleep apnea cases, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea.
The other common sleep apnea symptom is extreme daytime sleepiness. The sufferer has a high chance of falling asleep while sitting and reading, watching TV and riding in a car among others. This is especially dangerous because there is also a greatly increased risk of falling asleep while driving or stopped in traffic. In fact people who suffer from severe symptoms are two to three times more likely to have a car accident.
In addition to the frustration of feeling tired all the time, daytime sleepiness contributes to poor concentration and a general inability to function at one’s full capacity.
The Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) is a sleep apnea quiz designed to test daytime sleepiness. Introduced by Dr. Murray Johns of Epworth Hospital in Australia, it can be helpful in diagnosing sleep disorders.
The relationship between weight gain and sleep apnea can be confusing. Gaining weight is a common sleep apnea symptom, but obesity is one of the causes of sleep apnea. This creates a vicious circle.
Experts claim that behavioral therapy is efficient in treating low to moderate cases, since the more advanced conditions require specific medical care. There are many ways to cure the symptoms of sleep apnea and you should start with the least invasive options first. It all comes down to what is most appropriate for the patient and his or her circumstances. The most effective treatment that has shown great results even in the most serious of conditions is continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP. Studies have also shown that this sleeping disorder can have genetic predispositions.
The FDA has approved as many as 16 dental devices for the treatment of snoring. These alternative methods to relieve sleep apnea are widely used and proven to be effective. You can use the Internet to learn more about these yourself.
Most is concerning is that people with sleep apnea symptoms are often unaware that they are experiencing them. An attentive spouse can make a big difference by detecting these symptoms and encouraging their partner to talk to the doctor about it for a proper diagnosis. Sleep apnea can be a very dangerous condition if not managed correctly, leading to high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Early detection is key, in order to prevent it from developing into something even more serious.
Related posts: