Sleep apnea plagues millions and often remains undiagnosed and untreated. A study shows that at least 936 million people suffer from some form of this condition globally(Link 1). Apneas, also known as pauses, may last several seconds to a minute and recur several times during one sleep cycle. This disorder leads to poor quality of sleep.
There are three types of this condition (2). The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which may be due to hormonal changes, enlarged tonsils, obesity, and other conditions that can narrow the airway. On the other hand, central sleep apnea(CSA) is due to the brain failing to send signals to the body to breathe. CSA is related to brain control of the chest muscles and the airway. The third type is treatment-emergent central sleep apnea where OSA converts to CSA while a patient is undergoing treatment.
Mild to moderate signs of this disorder can be hard to spot, which can lead to many individuals go through life undiagnosed . The most prevalent sleep apnea symptoms are:
Waking up with a dry mouth
Mouth breathing is common in individuals with nasal obstructions caused by anatomy or recurring allergies linked to nasal congestion.
Headaches in the morning
While it can affect anyone regardless of age, people who suffer from OSA or CSA may wake up with headaches regularly.
Irritability
A study shows that sleep can affect one’s mood(3). Research shows higher irritability levels in individuals with poor sleep quality.
Feeling sleepy during the daytime and difficulty concentrating
Fatigue in the morning can be an early warning sign of this disorder, especially if it becomes a regular occurrence. People who suffer from this disorder may also find it difficult to focus their attention on tasks and even conversations.
Loud snoring
Snoring is caused by the narrowing of the airway, due to obstruction or muscle tone. It is important to note that not everyone who snores has this condition.
Visibly gasping for air during sleep or failing to breathe
Individuals affected by this condition may also find themselves having to wake up to catch a breath. Irregular breathing patterns may be observed by someone else in the room.
Sleep is an important function that is tied to over-all health and well-being. Individuals who experience any of the sleep apnea symptoms listed above should seek medical help. Early diagnosis coupled with a proper treatment plan can improve quality of life drastically.