Do you Suffer from Sleep Apnea – Take a Quiz
Apnea sufferers are often unaware of the breathless episodes which are characteristic of this sleep problem and many cases go untreated due to folk not suspecting they may be sufferers. Often a close family member more particularly a bed partner, first suspects the symptoms of sleep apnea. The latest research has shown that up to 90% of people who have sleep apnea don’t even realise they suffer from it. Others might be aware but don’t realise that sleeping issues are a medical issue. Even if they are having sleep related problems they fail to relate them to their doctor and as a result go undiagnosed and untreated.
Risks of Sleep Apnea
Although sleep apnea is curable, it frequently goes unrecognized. This is an ongoing condition which typically ends in sleep deprivation. Untreated sleep apnea can be dangerous and can end up in major health issues and an overall decline in one’s quality of life. People suffering from sleep apnea have an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and high blood pressure, and might have a higher risk of diabetes, heart failure and stroke.
Sleep Apnea Quiz
Your answers to this test will help you determine whether you could suffer with sleep apnea:
Do you suffer at night from loud snoring?
While snoring is the most blatant indication of sleep apnea (more common in obstructive sleep apnea) it has many causes and the presence of snoring isn’t by itself a suggestion of sleep apnea (it is calculated that one in 5 adults suffer from constant snoring) – however most sleep apnea sufferers do snore. Because obstructive sleep apnea is related to medical illnesses such as heart problems, strokes and a higher risk of sudden death consideration should be given to undertake sleep apnea testing to differentiate between the two problems.
Do you experience frequent choking episodes during the night?
Do you stop breathing while sleeping or experience long pauses in breathing?
Are you suffer with excessive daytime tiredness?
Do you suffer from Insomnia?
This is very common in central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea.
Do you ever wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat?
Are your reflexes slower than normal?
Do you have feelings of irritation or depression?
Do you wake up with morning headaches?
Do you need to urinate often at night?
Are you affected by impotency or reduced sex drive?
Some sleep apnea sufferers will notice a decrease in sexual function and this may ultimately result in impotency.
Is sweating during sleep an issue?
Do you have high blood pressure which is not connected with any other condition?
A less clear indication of sleep apnea is an increase in blood pressure which may lead to several cardio problems. Unless you are among people who monitor their own blood pressure constantly at home this is not likely to be spotted until you have a routine physical examination at your doctor's office.
Did you reply YES to any of the above?
As with a number of conditions, individual symptoms by themselves could be an indication of almost anything. Nevertheless when you spot these indications of sleep apnea together it is advisable to see your physician and obtain medical advice.
After suffering from symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea for years the writer, Peter Patterson, went through sleep apnea testing to properly diagnose his health condition. His site is full of useful information making reference to all facets of this sleeping problem.
Tags: dangers of sleep apnea, signs of sleep apnea, suffer from sleep apnea, symptoms of sleep apnea
