How Can I Tell If I Have Sleep Apnea? Key Signs and Testing

If you wake up feeling tired after a full night's sleep, or if you have heard complaints about your snoring, you may be suffering from sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a relatively common but serious sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. 

There are two types of sleep apnea – obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA). If left untreated, both can cause serious health complications. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent these complications. 

In this article, we will discuss the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea and the risks associated with this disorder. We will also explain how our free screener can assist you in determining whether you may be at risk.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Loud Snoring and Gasping for Air

Loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. If you or your partner notice loud snoring accompanied by gasping or choking sounds during sleep, this may be a sign of sleep apnea and you should speak to your doctor for further assessment. 

Frequent Pauses in Breathing

Frequent pauses in breathing during sleep are another key symptom of sleep apnea. These pauses, known as apneas, involve short periods where breathing stops completely. They can occur multiple times throughout the night and are often followed by sudden jerking movements or gasping as you wake up to breathe again. 

This is not only uncomfortable and scary, but it can also cause more serious health complications over time. Therefore, it is very important to speak to your doctor early on for assessment, diagnosis, and necessary intervention. 

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a common symptom of sleep apnea. Even after a full night's sleep, you may feel tired, lack energy, and struggle with focus or concentration during the day. It can have a negative impact on your mental health and well-being and make it challenging to complete routine tasks and maintain productivity at work, and can lead to drowsy driving, which is not only a risk to yourself but also to others around you.  

Risks and Impact of Ignoring Sleep Apnea

Health Complications

If you suspect that you may be suffering from sleep apnea, then you need to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. If left untreated, sleep apnea can have long-term complications on your health and well-being. One of the most significant risks is the development of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. 

Frequent interruptions in breathing place stress on the body, causing hormone imbalance and high blood pressure. Also, low oxygen levels during apneas make this worse. It puts strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease, experiencing heart attacks, or suffering from heart failure. It can cause increased risk of heart rhythm problems, known as arrhythmias.

Sleep apnea also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It can impair glucose regulation and metabolic health. It can also cause weight gain, acid reflux, and even adult asthma.

Impact on Daily Life

Sleep apnea can significantly negatively impact daily life. One of the most common symptoms is daytime sleepiness, which can affect productivity levels and make everyday activities more difficult than usual. Patients report falling asleep at work, while watching TV, or even while driving, increasing the risk of accidents and work-related injuries. 

Sleep apnea can also affect your relationships and overall quality of life. Children and young people with untreated sleep apnea may struggle academically and experience attention or behavior problems. Adults may feel irritable and find it difficult to maintain a regular routine due to constant fatigue and a lack of restorative sleep.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause a decline in mental health and overall well-being and result in complications such as depression and memory loss. 

How Our Free Screener Can Help

The Benefits of Early Screening

It is important that the symptoms of sleep apnea are recognized early on and that you seek medical attention at the onset. Our free screener is designed to help you recognize the symptoms and risks, enabling you to take the first steps toward improving your sleep quality and overall health. Screening early allows you to address apneas and hypopneas, normalize your sleep patterns, and significantly enhance your quality of life. It can also help prevent long-term complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

What to Expect from the Screener

Our free screener is a simple, user-friendly tool that guides you through a series of questions to determine if you might be at risk for sleep apnea. It includes questions about common symptoms, such as loud snoring, gasping for air, frequent pauses in breathing, and excessive daytime sleepiness. 

It also considers clinical factors such as your body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and other relevant health information. Additionally, it can help you answer questions like "Can I have sleep apnea without snoring?" or "What does sleep apnea look like?" by evaluating a range of symptoms.

The process is straightforward and can be completed from the comfort of your home. After answering the questions, the screener will provide an assessment of your risk level for sleep apnea.

If the results suggest a potential risk, you will be advised to speak to your doctor or health care provider for further assessment, or you may be recommended to carry out a home sleep apnea test. This will help determine the severity of the disorder and you can begin necessary treatment. By utilizing our free screener, you are taking a proactive approach to your health, ensuring that any potential sleep apnea is identified and treated before it leads to more serious health issues.

Talk to Your Doctor

Sleep apnea is a relatively common disorder, but without timely intervention it can cause serious complications. 

Certain symptoms are key indicators of the condition, for example, loud snoring, breathing difficulties during sleep and tiredness during the day. If you have any of these symptoms then you need to speak to your doctor as soon as possible. 

Over time, sleep apnea can have a negative impact on your mental health and well-being but it can also cause long-term health complications. This includes high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes and other metabolic disorders. It can also have a significant effect on your cognitive health and well-being. 

If you suspect you might be affected, speak to your doctor –  and contact SleepQuest for a FREE home screening test. Taking action early can greatly enhance your sleep quality and overall health and prevent life-threatening complications in the future.