Many people go undiagnosed with sleep apnea for many years simply because they don’t realize the warning signs. Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. If it goes undiagnosed, sleep apnea can have serious health implications. In this article, we will explore some of the warning signs of sleep apnea and why it’s more common than you may think.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which people experience breathing cessation (apnea) or short, shallow breathing throughout the night. This causes pauses in breathing that can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. These pauses happen anywhere from 30 to hundreds of times throughout a night and can lead to reduced blood oxygen levels.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the muscles used to breathe become relaxed, causing the airway to become too narrow or even blocked. Central sleep apnea, the second most common type, is caused by the brain failing to properly signal the muscles used to breathe. Mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both obstructive and central sleep apnea.
Why Is It More Common Than You Think?
Sleep apnea is believed to be much more common than most people realize. According to estimates, around 22 million adults in the United States are affected, but only 20% of cases have been diagnosed. Part of the reason for so many undiagnosed cases is that the disorder becomes increasingly prevalent as people age. In fact, adults over the age of 60 are estimated to suffer from sleep apnea at rates as high as 70%.
In addition, some studies have shown that it is more likely for men to be diagnosed with sleep apnea than women, but this may be because women are underdiagnosed. Finally, it is also increasingly common among those who are overweight, which is becoming an increasingly common problem. The extra weight on the neck and chest can make breathing more difficult, which leads to an increased risk of developing sleep apnea.
Common Sleep Apnea Warning Signs
The most common warning sign of sleep apnea is loud snoring followed by pauses in breathing, but there are several other warning signs as well. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you may want to speak with your doctor:
Daytime Alertness Issues
- Frequent daytime drowsiness
- Extreme fatigue despite getting 7-9 hours of sleep a night
Mood Issues
- Irritability
- Depression
- Anxiety
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches upon waking
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Sweating during sleep
- Decreased libido
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have an underlying health issue and should speak with a doctor for an evaluation.
Potential Health Impacts of Untreated Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can have serious health implications. Some of the potential health implications include an increased risk for several health conditions, including:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart arrhythmias
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Chronic fatigue
- Depression
It is imperative to get tested for sleep apnea if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially if you are at increased risk for the disorder, such as being over the age of 40, male, overweight, or having a family history of the disorder.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Getting an early diagnosis of sleep apnea is important in order to take steps to minimize the potential health implications. There are several methods of treatment available, including behavioral changes, such as weight loss and sleeping in a more elevated position, or the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. CPAP is a popular and effective choice of treatment for those with moderate to severe sleep apnea.
The most effective way to get an early diagnosis of sleep apnea is to visit a doctor or sleep specialist for an evaluation. A doctor can perform a physical examination, as well as prescribe a sleep study to determine if sleep apnea is the cause of the symptoms.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is much more common than most people realize, and the number of cases is continuing to rise. If you are experiencing any of the common warning signs mentioned above, especially if you are at increased risk, it is important to visit a doctor for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can help minimize the potential health risks associated with untreated sleep apnea.
