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How Do I Know
If I Have A Sleep Disorder?
Sleep
fact: For an estimated 5 out of 100 people, who are often overweight
middle-aged men, who are extremely loud habitual snorers, are the first
ones who get this life-threatening disorder.
Spouses or
bed partners are most likely to notice a sleep disorder in their partners.
They notice respiratory pauses and loud snoring.
The most common type of sleep disorder is sleep apnea .
HERE
ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF SLEEP APNEA:
- Snoring may be heard in
other rooms –or even by neighbors.
- Loud snoring can
be a signal that something is wrong with breathing during
sleep.
- Snoring indicates
that the airway is not fully open, and that the distinctive
sound of snoring comes from efforts to force air through the narrowed
passageway.
A particular pattern is snoring interrupted by pauses, then gasps. This
means the sleeper's breathing stops and restarts. Some people
do not breathe at all for three-quarters of their sleep time.
- People with sleep apnea
may notice they are waking up frequently, gasping for air, and
thrashing about in their sleep.
- They may complain about
morning headaches and loss of interest in sex. Men
may complain about erectile failure.
- Sleep apnea can produce
extreme sleepiness during the day.
- Persons with sleep apnea
may fall asleep at inappropriate times , such as at
work or driving.
- Persons with sleep apnea
may have trouble concentrating . They can become unusually
forgetful, irritable, anxious, or depressed.
Family
members, employers or coworkers may notice a pattern of changes
in mood or behavior. |
