Risk Factors
Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age, even children. Risk factors for sleep apnea include:
- Being male
- Being overweight
- Being over age 40
- Having a large neck size (17 inches or greater in men and 16 inches or greater in women)
- Having large tonsils, a large tongue, or a small jaw bone
- Having a family history of sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD
- Nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems
Common Signs of a Sleep Disorder
The first signs of obstructive sleep apnea are often not recognized by the patient, who commonly has no sleep complaints. Instead, it’s the concerned bed partner who usually urges the patient to see a doctor about snoring and better sleep health.
The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea:
- Snoring. The person may alternate between snoring very loudly and being very quiet. Periods of silence may be followed by gasps or snorting sounds. Pauses in breathing are also common. Excessive sleepiness. Falling asleep at inappropriate times; Waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep; Worrying about your sleep health.
- Morning headaches
- Increased neck size
- Trouble concentrating or forgetfulness
- Frequent nighttime awakenings and urination
- Irritability or other mood changes
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness at night
- Night sweats
- Sexual dysfunction
Other symptoms common to sleep apnea:
- Constant Tiredness
- Poor Concentration
- Morning Headaches
- Depressed Mood
- Night Sweats
- Weight Gain
- Lack of Energy
- Forgetfulness
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Frequent Urination at Night
People with central sleep apnea often experience insomnia or frequent awakenings. Along with these symptoms of poor sleep health, they also may experience a gasping or choking sensation as they awaken.
Because sleep apnea symptoms can lead to daytime sleepiness or impairment, high blood pressure, stroke, irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, diabetes and depression, it’s important to consult a sleep specialist to determine if you have obstructive sleep apnea and determine the right course of treatment.
The first and most common sign of sleep apnea, soring, is usually observed by your loved ones.
They might also tell you that you make gasping or choking sounds while you're asleep.
Sleep Apnea Linked to Other Medical Conditions:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart Failure
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Treatment Improves:
- Daytime Sleepiness
- Lowers your Risk for High Blood Pressure
- Lowers your Risk for Heart Disease
- Improves your Glucose Levels
Risk Factors for not Getting Treatment:
- Decreased Attentiveness at Home
- Decreased Productivity at Work
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart Attack
- Stroke
- Even Sudden Death
