Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea affects over 5 million Canadians and is very common throughout the world, but often goes undiagnosed. Normally, people who are diagnosed with sleep apnea find out that they have the condition because their bed partner notices them snoring excessively or stop breathing during the night. If you are constantly tired and lack energy, you may be experiencing the effects of sleep apnea. 

Other common symptoms include: Loud snoring Choking or gasping during sleep Extreme sleepiness during the day Fatigue Morning headaches High blood pressure Inability to concentrate Memory loss Lack of motivation Depression Frequent night urination Nighttime sweating  Decreased libido

While loud snoring is a classic sign for sleep apnea, not all patients with sleep apnea will present with snoring as a primary sign. Women in particular, may be more likely to complain of difficulty sleeping, fatigue and depression rather than snoring or witnessed apneas. 

 

Risk Factors

Some Factors that may make someone more susceptible to sleep apnea are:

A bod mass index (BMI) of greater than 30 and/or upper body obesity Large neck size ( 17 inches for me, 16 inches for women) Men Postmenopausal women Abnormalities of the upper jaw, which may include small jaw or a large tongue Family history of sleep apnea Shift work Motor vehicle accident High blood Pressure Age

 

When to See a Doctor 

It is important to know that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are concerned, please see your doctor. Sleep apnea may seem mild to many people, but over time, it can increase your risk of:  

• High blood pressure
• Daytime fatigue and exhaustion 
• Heart problems
• Type 2 diabetes 
• Metabolic syndrome
• Liver problems 
• Sleep deprived partners due to snoring 
• Surgery complications

Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition and should be treated like one, so if you think you need to be tested, be sure to reach out to your doctor to get a consultation today. 

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