How Do You Know if You Have Sleep Apnea?

Diane Carbo

Oct 12, 2023 • 29 min read

Introduction – What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person's breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with untreated sleep apnea stop breathing multiple times during the night, often for a minute or longer. This can lead to serious health problems, including high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.

Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, and waking up frequently at night. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but if you or your partner notices any of the following symptoms along with snoring, it could be a sign of a more serious problem:

Gasping for air during sleep
Waking up with a dry mouth
Difficulty staying asleep
Headaches in the morning
Mood changes and irritability

If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it is important to seek medical advice right away. A doctor can diagnose sleep apnea and help you find the best course of treatment for your condition.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a medical condition where your breathing pattern is briefly disrupted during sleep. It can be caused by a number of different factors, including obstructions in the airway or underlying medical conditions. Other lifestyle factors, such as being overweight or having poor sleep hygiene, can also play a role in the development of sleep apnea.

The most common cause of sleep apnea is a physical obstruction in the airway. This can be due to enlarged tonsils, a deviated septum, or simply having large tonsils. Other causes include anatomical abnormalities, such as a small jawbone or a narrow throat. It is also known to be related to certain medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Other factors that can increase the risk of sleep apnea include smoking, drinking alcohol, and having a family history of the condition. Being overweight or obese can also be a factor in the development of the condition, as this can lead to extra fat accumulating in the neck region, restricting airflow. Poor sleep hygiene can be a contributing factor too, including going to bed late, sleeping in fragmented patterns, and using electronic devices before bedtime.

Diagnosing Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is usually diagnosed through a process of formal testing. This typically involves an overnight stay at a sleep center where medical professionals will monitor your sleep and may ask you to wear a special mask to measure oxygen levels in your blood. Your doctor may also ask questions about your sleep patterns and health history.

Although staying overnight at a sleep center can seem intimidating, it is the most accurate and reliable method of diagnosing sleep apnea. By monitoring your sleep, doctors can accurately identify the signs and symptoms associated with sleep apnea.

Your doctor may also recommend home sleep tests, which involve using a special device to monitor your breathing and oxygen levels while you sleep at home. This can be a more convenient option for some people, but it is not as accurate as the tests performed at a sleep center.

Risk Factors for Sleep Apnea

Everyone's risk of sleep apnea is different. There are a number of lifestyle choices and medical conditions that can increase the chances of developing sleep apnea. Some of these include being overweight, smoking, using alcohol, having a large neck circumference, having head or facial abnormalities, having certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, or certain neurological conditions.

Certain medications and allergies can also be associated with an increased risk of sleep apnea. It is also important to be aware that age, gender, and family history can all have an effect on your risk of the condition.

If you are displaying any of the signs and symptoms mentioned at the start of this guide, it is important to discuss them with your doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and may refer you for further testing if necessary.

Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can lead to a number of serious medical complications. These include:

High Blood Pressure – Studies have shown that sleep apnea is linked to high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke.
Heart Disease – Sleep apnea can lead to an irregular heart rhythm, known as arrhythmia. It can also increase the risk of more severe heart problems, such as heart attacks.
Type 2 Diabetes – Studies have suggested that sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Depression – People with sleep apnea often feel extremely tired during the day, which can lead to depression.
Weight Gain – Obesity is highly associated with sleep apnea, as it can cause people to overeat in order to combat sleepiness.

It is therefore important to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, and seek medical advice if you think you may be suffering from it. Treatment of sleep apnea can help reduce your risk of developing these serious health complications.

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea

For people with sleep apnea, there are a range of treatments available that can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Before deciding on the best treatment, it is important to speak to a doctor to discuss the benefits and risks of each option. Below is a list of possible treatment options.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): This is the most common treatment for sleep apnea, and involves using a machine to deliver air pressure through a mask while you sleep. The air pressure helps keep your airways open, reducing the risk of breathing pauses.
Oral Appliances: These can be used to reposition the jaw and tongue, keeping the airways open during sleep.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue in the throat or shrink the size of the airways. Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Lifestyle Changes: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and losing weight, can also help reduce the severity of sleep apnea.

Each treatment option has its own set of benefits and risks, so it is important to speak to a doctor before deciding on the best course of action. It is also important to follow your doctor's instructions in order to get the maximum benefit from your treatment.

Improving Sleep Hygiene to Reduce Sleep Apnea Severity

Sleep hygiene is a term used to describe practices and habits which can lead to better sleep. Good sleep hygiene helps reduce the severity of sleep apnea. Here are some tips to help improve your sleep hygiene:

Create an environment that is conducive to sleep: Keep the room dark, cool and quiet. Make sure the bed is comfortable, and avoid blue light from computers and phones before bed.
Establish a regular routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol close to bedtime: Alcohol can affect the quality of your sleep, while caffeine and nicotine can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Avoid large meals before bedtime: Eating a heavy meal close to bedtime can affect your quality of sleep and lead to restlessness.
Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity is good for your overall health and can contribute to better sleep quality.
Minimize stress and anxiety: Make sure to take time for yourself to relax and unwind before going to bed.

By following these tips, you can improve your sleep hygiene and potentially reduce the severity of your sleep apnea.

Life Changes That Can Help Reduce the Effects of Sleep Apnea

Living with sleep apnea can be stressful, but there are some life changes you can make that may help reduce the severity of your symptoms. While lifestyle changes won’t necessarily cure sleep apnea, they can help to minimize its effects and improve your overall quality of life.

Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the effects of sleep apnea:

Lose weight – If you’re overweight, losing even small amounts of weight can help improve your symptoms.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco – Alcohol and tobacco can worsen the symptoms of sleep apnea, so avoiding them can help reduce the severity of your condition.
Reduce stress – Stress can increase the severity of sleep apnea, so finding healthy ways to reduce your stress levels can help improve your symptoms.
Change sleeping habits – Make sure you get plenty of sleep every night and try to maintain a regular sleeping schedule.
Exercise – Regular physical activity can help improve your breathing and reduce the severity of your sleep apnea.

While these lifestyle changes may not completely cure your sleep apnea, they can help to reduce the severity of your symptoms and make living with sleep apnea more manageable. Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes you can make that may help to reduce the effects of your sleep apnea.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Living a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference to those suffering from sleep apnea. Eating a balanced diet that is low in processed foods, saturated fats and sugar can help reduce symptoms. It's also important to ensure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day as dehydration can make sleep apnea worse. Regular exercise can also help promote good quality sleep. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activity before going to bed as this can stimulate the body and keep you awake.

In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, it is also important to take steps to reduce stress levels. Stress can have an impact on mental and physical wellbeing, and this includes the ability to sleep soundly. Practices such as yoga, mindfulness and regular relaxation techniques can help reduce stress levels and make it easier to fall into a deep sleep.

Medication for Sleep Apnea

Medication is not the primary form of treatment for most sleep apnea cases. However, medication may be prescribed in some cases if lifestyle changes and other treatments are unsuccessful. There are several medications available for treating sleep apnea, including:

Stimulants – medicines that help reduce levels of daytime sleepiness.
Sedatives – medicines that help promote relaxation and/or deeper sleep.
Anticonvulsants – medicines used to control certain types of convulsions.
Nasal Decongestants – medicines that help reduce nasal congestion.

Your doctor will assess your case and advise you on the best approach to take. Before taking any medications, it is important to research all potential side effects and understand how they may interact with any existing medical conditions.

Coping Strategies for People with Sleep Apnea

Living with sleep apnea can be a challenge, and understanding how to manage it is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Finding the right coping strategies will help you take back control of your life, and help you better understand and manage your sleep apnea.

There are several strategies you can use to help you cope with sleep apnea:

Connect with other people living with sleep apnea. Talking to others who understand what you are going through can be an invaluable source of support and advice.
Set realistic goals and expectations. It’s important to be realistic about how your sleep apnea condition can be managed, and to set small, achievable goals that are within reach.
Educate yourself about sleep apnea. Knowing more about your condition can help you better understand why certain activities can trigger apneic episodes, and why it’s important to follow your treatment plan.
Practice good sleep hygiene. Improve your sleeping environment and habits to get the restful sleep your body needs.
Try relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can trigger apneic episodes, so engaging in calming activities such as yoga or meditation can help reduce these feelings.
Seek medical advice from your doctor. Your doctor can help you identify the best treatment options available to you, and provide guidance on managing your sleep apnea.

By taking the steps outlined above, you can take back control of your life and enjoy a better quality of sleep. With the right support, you can manage your sleep apnea and live a healthier, happier life.

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can have serious consequences for your health if left untreated. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms, and to seek advice from your doctor if you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.

This guide has outlined the causes, diagnosis, risks, complications, treatment options, and lifestyle changes associated with sleep apnea. There are many ways to cope with this disorder and it is important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to manage symptoms. If you have any further questions regarding sleep apnea, your healthcare provider is your best resource for information and support.