When breathing repeatedly ceases and resumes during sleep, a significant sleep disorder known as sleep apnea occurs. Sleep apnea comes in three forms: obstructive (OSA), central (CSA), and complicated (CSAS) (also called treatment-emergent central sleep apnea). Among the most typical signs of sleep apnea are:
Loud snoring: Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea often snore loudly and repeatedly throughout the night. A gasp could follow a pause in the snoring for air.
Breathing pauses: Apneas, or pauses in breathing, are a defining feature of sleep apnea. These breaks may happen multiple times throughout the night and last anything from a few seconds to several minutes.
Choking or gasping: Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea sometimes awaken several times throughout the night, gasping for air or choking on their own saliva.
Daytime sleepiness: People with sleep apnea may feel exhausted during the day, despite getting a full night's sleep because the disorder disturbs the natural sleep cycle.
Pain in the head: Sleep apnea is a common cause of headaches, especially upon waking.
Irritability and mood changes: Insomnia caused by sleep apnea can disrupt sleep quality, leading to irritability and mood swings.
Difficulty concentrating: Individuals with sleep apnea may have trouble focusing during the day, which could negatively impact their productivity at work or in the classroom.
Restless sleep: Sleep apnea can produce a disturbed night's sleep that results in several awakenings.
Get in touch with your primary care physician if you're experiencing any of these symptoms; they may recommend seeing a sleep doctor for further diagnosis and treatment. It's crucial to get checked out if you suspect you have sleep apnea because it can lead to other major health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
