7 Signs That You Might Have Sleep Apnea

The boom of the technology industry has changed the world in many ways, and one of the most important changes is that you are connected to endless sources of information quite literally in your hand. This opens the door to hypochondriac hysteria where you get a few nights of bad sleep and suddenly you have restless leg syndrome or an exotic form of cancer. It also connects you to helpful guides that can help determine if you should speak with a professional about some symptoms you are experiencing. Let this guide serve as the latter so you can determine if you should speak with a professional about being fitted for a ResMed mask to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea.

Loud Snoring

Loud snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. This is considered as snoring loudly enough to interrupt the sleep of others, or wake yourself up. As a rule of thumb, if you are waking yourself up from loud snoring you should speak with a professional. However, just because someone snores loudly does not solely mean that you have sleep apnea.

Breathing Cessation

Breathing cessation is when you intermittently stop breathing while you are asleep. This is often noticed by a partner and it is incredibly worrisome. It will sound like you took a deep breath and then hold that breath in for several seconds before exhaling.

Abruptly Waking from Shortness of Breath

This symptom is specifically worrisome for asthmatics who can wake up to an attack in complete confusion. This typically happens after long periods of sleep cessation when your body is depleted from oxygen. This is one of the four symptoms that require you to see a medical professional.

Sore Throat

People with sleep apnea tend to sleep with their mouth completely open as they struggle for oxygen. This leads to a dry mouth and your constant snoring will give you a sore throat after several hours of choking. If you wake up several times a month with an excessively dry mouth and a sore throat you should speak with a professional.

Headaches

Sleep apnea creates a shortage of oxygen in your bloodstream and as a result your brain is getting less oxygen. This will lead to headaches in the morning as your brain is sending signals that something is wrong. Waking up to headaches is a sign your sleep apnea is worsening as this is not common is people with mild forms of this sleep disorder.

Excessive Fatigue

Most people feel tired throughout the day. However, people with sleep apnea will fall asleep at random times throughout the day even while they are working or driving. Excessive fatigue is common in many serious diseases and disorders, so you should seek medical help regardless of other symptoms of sleep apnea.

Irritability

All these symptoms will lead to a cranky person. One of the many diagnostic criteria for disorders is that it is interrupting your daily life. Irritability factors as an interruption of your daily life and you should do everything you can to locate the source of your irritable behavior.