When people are sleeping, they can make grunting or snorting sound, commonly known as snoring. Not unless you are sharing sleeping space with someone, most probably, it will be hard to know that you are snoring.
Even though snoring is annoying, if there are no other underlying causes behind it, there is no cause for alarm.
However, if it is coupled with other symptoms, then you have a reason to pay a visit to your doctor to rule out the possibility of sleep apnea.
There are two types of sleep apnea. The most common type is known as obstructive sleep apnea whose cause is a blockage in the airway. Whereby the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapse when one is sleeping.
The other type is called central sleep apnea. With this type, even though the airway is not blocked, the brain fails to inform the muscles to breathe.
The good news is that there is a treatment for this disorder. However, diagnosis is still a challenge. To find out if you or a loved one is suffering from sleep apnea, below are the most common signs that can help you make an informed choice. They include:
Loud snoring
When it comes to sleep apnea, you cannot skip loud snoring. The most challenging part is how to distinguish the usual snoring that is just annoying and potential sleep apnea.
If you suspect that someone is suffering from sleep apnea, take your time and listen to their snoring more keenly.
If you notice the sound of gasping for breath, choking sounds and loud snorting, then it is time to book an appointment with a sleep specialist or a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Interrupted breathing
Sleep apnea is a disorder whereby a person is unable to breathe when sleeping. Many people who suffer from sleep apnea appear to stop breathing entirely during sleep and end up making a loud and uncontrollable noise as they try to catch their breath again.
Surprisingly, most people who experience such things are not even aware of them. They only get to learn about it if they happen to sleep near someone else.
If you live alone, consider seeing a doctor for a more thorough opinion if you wake up too often at night, experience shortness of breath and feel tired the following day.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition where the person suffering from it is unable to fall asleep or stay asleep even when you have a…
Continue reading the article and learn more about sleep apnea on Twittorati.com.