Symptoms of sleep apnea

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
MarkB

Symptoms of sleep apnea

Post by MarkB » Tue Aug 24, 2004 8:24 am

I am trying to find out some of the symptoms sleep apnea. What's the best way to find out if I have sleep apnea? I've been going to sleep fairly early but I never seem rested when I wake up in the morning. My wife tells me that I snore loudly and move around in my sleep alot. Is this something that I should talk to a doctor about? or is there an easier solution?

Thanks,
Mark

ilovetosleep

sleepiness questionnaire

Post by ilovetosleep » Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:21 am

Hey, Mark:
Your symptoms sound like mine did! My brother-the-doctor gave me a "test" to see if I needed to see a doctor about sleep apnea. Here is a link to it and a score over 9 means go see the doctor!
http://www.stanford.edu/~dement/epworth.html

Fidler

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Post by Fidler » Tue Aug 24, 2004 9:25 am

MarkB,

I found this article that lists the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. I would go to my doctor and tell them what your wife has noticed and ASK for a sleep study. Don't wait for the doctor to figure this one out. He/she might not be up to speed on sleep apnea. when I was diagnosed, my doctor had no idea. I had to demand a test.

Here is the information of signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:
The signs and symptoms of OSA result from disruption of the normal sleep architecture. The frequent arousals and the inability to achieve or maintain the deeper stages of sleep can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, nonrestorative sleep, automobile accidents, personality changes, decreased memory, erectile dysfunction (impotence), and depression.

Patients rarely complain about frequent awakenings due to obstruction, but awakenings do occur. Excessive daytime sleepiness may be mild or severe, depending on the severity of the obstruction. Some patients suffering from OSA fall asleep in a nonstimulating environment, such as while reading in a quiet room. Others may fall asleep in a stimulating environment, such as during business meetings, eating, and even while having sex. Patients with OSA often complain of waking up feeling like they had never slept at all. They often feel worse after taking a nap than they did before napping.

The so-called drowsy driver syndrome, which a growing number of law enforcement authorities believe to be responsible for many automobile accidents, may result from OSA, which causes some drivers to fall asleep at the wheel or to suffer from lack of alertness because of sleep deprivation. Decreased alertness places a person at risk in a variety of potentially hazardous situations. It is recommended that persons with excessive daytime sleepiness not drive or operate dangerous equipment until their condition is effectively treated. Other symptoms of OSA, such as morning headaches and frequent urination during the night, may be caused by apneic events themselves.

The physical signs that suggest OSA include loud snoring, witnessed apneic episodes, and obesity. Patients with OSA often say that their only problem is that their bed partner complains about their snoring. A large number of snorers are believed to have OSA. Many times, a sleep partner will witness an apneic event.

Hypertension is prevalent in patients with OSA, although the exact relationship is unclear. It has been shown, however, that treating OSA can modestly lower blood pressure.

Not everybody who snore has sleep apnea, but if two or more of the above symptoms are present the person should consider consulting a sleep specialist. A high score on the Epworth Sleepiness Scale is also a strong indicator of possible sleep apnea.

SeniorSam67

Apnea Symptoms

Post by SeniorSam67 » Tue Aug 24, 2004 12:58 pm

Hey-Why play "doctor" and try to diagnose yourself. If someone who cares about you has noticed this sleepiness, and the snoring, and holding your breath, you need professional help. I have heard of people losing their jobs because they show up late, or fall asleep in meetings, or have CAR ACCICENTS, because they fall asleep so often during the day. Just like high blood pressure and cholseterol, excessive sleepiness is serious. I think an Ear Nose and Throat specialist could be of help if your regular MD isn't familiar with Sleep Apnea.

Get it treated with a Cpap like I did!!
Sam67

SleepyTimeGal
Posts: 38
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apnea symptoms

Post by SleepyTimeGal » Tue Sep 07, 2004 6:05 pm

Sam67 has the right idea. Go to the doctor and get help.

SleepyTimeGal

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Snuffle-nose
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Joined: Fri Sep 17, 2004 1:51 am
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I agree with others go and get professional help

Post by Snuffle-nose » Tue Sep 21, 2004 3:28 am

Hi

I suggust you get some professional help with this sleeping problems. I can become very dangerous if left unattend too long. I found that out the hard way. I feel asleep in the middle of the busy street while trying to cross the street. Gee that the last time I ignore the symptoms of chronic sleep apenoa.

Can be life threatening if left too long!
Been on CPAP for a while.....I had moderate apenoa