How to Spot Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a series of breathing pauses that occur during sleep. The pauses are long enough that breaths are actually missed. Most people with sleep apnea do not even know they have it. Since people with sleep apnea have a 30% higher risk of heart attack or premature death, it is important to recognize and treat sleep apnea as soon as possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Someone to watch as you sleep or a video recorder.

1. Sleepiness during the day time is a common symptom of sleep apnea.

2. Excessive snoring is almost always associated with sleep apnea.

3. Waking in the morning and still feeling unrested is a possible symptom of sleep apnea. If you feel that you are tired or having memory problems, you may suffer from sleep apnea.

4. Waking up several times to urinate during the night is a sign.

5. Not breathing while you sleep or having episodes of apnea can mean you need to take a visit to the sleep clinic.

6. Restless tossing and turning during your sleep can be a sign of sleep apnea as well.

7. Children may have enlarged tonsils or adenoids that can link to sleep apnea. Loud snoring and restless sleep may indicate a trip to the ENT.

8. A CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, machine may be used to help during sleep. Your doctor have other treatment options available.

Tips & Warnings

• Have your partner or someone listed to you as you sleep for breathing problems.
• Visit your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of sleep apnea.

[RENorton]

on 8/30/2009 Outstanding article. Very well-written and informative. I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea two and a half years ago, and my C-PAP has saved my life. One of my first articles for eHow was about how to live with obstructive sleep apnea. Great piece! Thanks!

[francisfour]

on 8/27/2009 Most helpful of articles. Thanks again!!

[esatchel]

on 8/21/2009 Sleep apnea is a fairly common problem. See your doctor if you recognize the symptoms. There is a sleep study that can be ordered by your physician, which will idnetify the problems, if you have it and will provide the medical documentation necessary to get your insurance to cover the cost of the equipment (provided this equipment IS covered by your specific insurance). Thanks for the article.

[patysson]

on 8/20/2009 nice article, thanks

[KingHostile]

on 8/20/2009 Very important information, for a very hard to spot problem, thanks.