Sleep Apnea is a serious condition and should not be taken lightly. We offer a free sleep survey for people who are interested in having their answers reviewed by a physician. The sleep survey asks questions about such issues as snoring, breathing, neck size, blood pressure and if or when you find yourself dozing off. The sleep survey can provide you with a sleep score to determine if you likely have sleep apnea. Using this score your physician would determine if you require a sleep study to confirm a diagnosis of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is a condition wherein there is cessation of breathing for 10 seconds or more during sleep. It is a serious condition. Sleeping is vital to the well-being of a person. Sleep apnea may be a preceding symptom of an underlying health problem.
There are various side effects of sleep apnea. Because sleep apnea is experienced during sleeping most of the side effects are manifested during waking hours of the person. The most common symptom is exhaustion during the day. During sleep a person is awakened due to the cessation of breathing. The brain signals the person to wake up in order to breathe again. This cycle happens repeatedly. Lack of ample sleep makes the person feel tired and sleepy during the daytime.
Moodiness, lack of concentration and irritability are also manifested from sleep apnea. With less energy due to a sleepless night, the person thrives to concentrate but all efforts are in vain. This causes the person to be more irritable and mood changes could follow. Loss of memory can also set in.
Depression is common in a person who experiences lack of sleep for a long period of time. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by sadness, feeling low and helplessness. When a person without sleep is unable to do something to be able to have enough sleep this can lead to a sense of helplessness that the depression stems from.
Loud and chronic snoring is frequently observed during sleep apnea. This may be due to the partial obstruction of the airway due to lax of muscles in the throat and tongue. Choking, gasping or snorting during sleep awakens the person.
If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, we encourage you to take our free sleep survey. Everyone is entitled to a good night’s sleep.
