Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder when discovered early can be treated before it is too late. But how do you know that you have this condition? First you need to get a feedback from your partner about how you sleep during the night. Does your partner have any concerns about your snoring and especially about how you breathe while you are asleep? If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, then it is highly probable that you are suffering from this sleeping disorder.
Is your snoring loud enough to keep others awake?
Do you feel very tired and falls asleep at work or while you are driving?
Is your sleep disturbed at night because you wake up frequently?
Do you wake up suddenly at night and gasping for air?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and they are affecting you physically and probably emotionally too, then the best advice for you is to see your doctor. The earlier you consult your doctor the better. Unlike snoring you can try home remedies but with sleep apnea you must seek a medical assistance.
Not everyone who snores, have sleep apnea. There is a difference between snoring and having an apnea. The difference is if you are suffering from sleep apnea, you stop breathing repeatedly while you are asleep. This pattern can be repeated many times throughout your sleep. Some people can experience it as many as 10, 20 or even 50 times in hour. Usually sufferers are not normally aware that they have the condition unless they are observed by someone else while they are asleep.
Simple snoring can turn into sleep apnea for a number of reasons. Some of these reasons include instability of the breathing reflexes of the person or due to narrowing or blockage in the airways. Or it could be due to the lack of coordination of the breathing muscles.
It is a serious condition and must not be ignored. If it is not treated properly it can cause:
High blood pressure
Enlargement of the heart
Road and workplace accidents
Emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and irritability
Increased risk of stroke
Weight gain
Lack of alertness and memory loss
So far you have learnt the difference between snoring and sleep apnea. You have also gained an understanding of its causes and why you need to seek a medical assistance if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of this sleep disorder. The effects of sleep apnea can be devastating for you and your loved ones. For these reasons you need professional help overcome it.
The writer of this article is also the author of the best-selling book, You Can Stop Snoring Tonight in which he reveals everything you need to know about sleep disorders including snoring and sleep apnea. If you enjoy this article and find it helpful, you can read more on sleep apnea by visiting: http://www.you-can-stop-snoring-tonight.com/blog