How to Find Out if You Have Sleep Apnea

Do you snore? Do you often find yourself waking up not feeling refreshed? Are you constantly sleepy throughout the day? Do you find yourself constantly getting out of bed during the night to use the potty? If any of this sounds like you, there is a great possibility you could have sleep apnea. There are more symptoms of sleep apnea including having memory and concentration problems, mood swings and headaches. I found out that I have moderate to severe sleep apnea, here's how you can find out about yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Primary Care Physician Referral

1. 

   If you are reading this article, chances are you suspect either yourself or someone you love of having sleep apnea. You won't know for sure if you have sleep apnea unless you participate in a sleep study. In order to do that, you have to get a referral from your primary care doctor.

2. 

   After he gives you the referral, immediately call to setup an appointment, because sometimes it can be a while before they can get you in and if you're not getting refreshed after a "decent night" of sleep, then even 1 day of waiting, is 1 day to long.

3. 

   When you make it to the appointment, they will ask you questions and check your blood pressure, weight and etc... then they will schedule a night for you to come in so they can hook you up to some wires and observe you sleep.

4. 

   Most likely the person observing you while you sleep, will not be the same person you met with in the day time, that's o.k.., they are trained to hook you up and watch you. They glue wires to your hair, temples, arms, neck, finger and legs. They will also place a tube in front of your nose to detect if you have stopped breathing. You take a survey before going to bed about how you feel and take another one after you wake up in the morning.

5. 

   At the appointment you had before your sleep study, you should have scheduled an appointment to go over your results, so when your sleep study is over, you leave and wait for your results appointment.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have a primary care physician, you can always call around to medical centers to see if they have a Sleep Study Center or check the yellow pages; it never hurts to call and see what is offered.
• Don't automatically assume that you have sleep apnea, get tested.
• If you suspect yourself of having sleep apnea, letting it go on without seeking help, can increase your risk of stroke or heart attack, because of the lack of oxygen.

Resources

• Aritcle

[almondspecial]

on 2/14/2009 Good article,thank you for the contribution will be checking this out more on the internet.5*****

[tikrit01]

on 2/8/2009 Great article! 5 *s

[pjsmom30]

on 1/30/2009 I have wondered if my husband might have this, so i am glad for your advice. Thanks! 5*

[hoolihan0519]

on 1/30/2009 Good article. Now we all know how to determine if it is sleep apnea. RCRr.

[Bfastattiffanys]

on 1/22/2009 Great article. i think my husband has this but we weren't sure where to start. *****