Q&A #3 How Do I Know If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Waking up with a sore throat or dry mouth.

Getting kicked to stop snoring.

Feeling drowsy throughout the day.

Not sleeping well at night.

These symptoms and others could be signs of a disorder called sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a disorder caused by irregular breathing during the night. Your throat muscles malfunction, causing you to gasp, choke, and stop breathing for short periods of time while sleeping.

The Signs of Sleep Apnea

If you are experiencing insomnia or if you are constantly waking up, tossing, or turning at night (especially because you are gasping), these could be signs of sleep apnea.

You may even be unaware of these symptoms while you sleep. Many people go undiagnosed for long periods of time, wondering why they are so tired throughout the day.

If you are experiencing excessive drowsiness, like drifting off at the wheel or while watching TV, you may have sleep apnea.

Low attentiveness and irritability are also signs. Because you aren’t sleeping well at night, you become tired throughout your day.

And sleep apnea doesn’t only affect you. It can affect those around you, too.

Since sleep apnea is a breathing disorder, it often results in very loud snoring. That’s the most common indicator that you may soon get a prescription for a CPAP machine.

(To find out more about sleep apnea symptoms, click here.)

S-T-O-P B-A-N-G

Not sure if you have sleep apnea? Here’s a quick guide to assist in determining your risk level for sleep apnea.

Of course, a full diagnosis should always be conducted by your medical provider, who is likely to evaluate you and may prescribe a CPAP machine for treatment.

• S: Are you snoring so loudly someone in another room could hear you?

• T: Throughout the day, do you find yourself tired, drowsy, and/or fatigued?

• O: Have others observed you not breathing while you sleep?

• P: Is your blood pressure high, or has it been high in the past?

• B: Is your Body Mass Index (BMI) high?

• A: Has your age passed 50 years?

• N: Is the circumference of your neck greater than 17 inches?

• G: Is your gender male?

If you answered yes to three or more questions from this list, you have a high risk of sleep apnea.

You should definitely go see your medical provider to discuss your concerns. She or he suggest a sleep study in your home or a clinic to determine whether you have a sleep disorder.

At the end of your sleep study, if your doctor determine you have sleep apnea, he or she may suggest lifestyle changes to lower your BMI and blood pressure. Your doctor may also prescribe a CPAP machine.

What’s a CPAP Machine?

If you are struggling with sleep apnea, a CPAP machine may be a great option to help you breathe better and sleep better..

CPAP stands for “continuous positive airway pressure” and is one of the most common therapies a doctor prescribes to help with sleep apnea.

Essentially, a CPAP machine ensures regular breathing, which is why snoring often subsides significantly or disappears altogether.

And when you sleep better, those around you sleep better, too, resulting in a fuller, healthier, happier life for everyone in your house.

To determine if you have sleep apnea, find out your risk level. Then ask a medical professional for an evaluation.

If you find yourself the proud new owner of a CPAP machine, you can learn everything about CPAP machines on our website. Get ready for some snore-free sleep.