Some people disregard how important a good night’s sleep is in their life. It’s normal to feel tired in the name of being busy and productive. Yet, regular sleep issues can lead to serious health issues. In fact, some people have sleep apnea which is a serious issue without even realizing it since their default is to feel under slept.
Many people think missing a few hours of sleep here and there isn’t a big deal, but the effects add up. Losing sleep regularly makes you tired and affects your ability to think and function properly. Recognizing the early signs of this sleep apnea can be the first step toward improving your overall health. In this article, we will go over some of the signs to watch out for.
1 – Chronic snoring
Snoring is common, but loud, chronic snoring can be a sign of sleep apnea. Regular snoring happens when air flows through your throat and causes the tissues to vibrate, often due to a stuffy nose or sleeping on your back. It’s usually harmless, even though it is usually annoying to others.
What isn’t harmless and usually needs to be diagnosed by a doctor like this is snoring caused by sleep apnea. Snoring caused by sleep apnea is often much louder and more persistent. This type of snoring is frequently interrupted by pauses in breathing or choking sounds.
These pauses happen because the airway becomes blocked, making it hard for air to get through. This blockage forces you to wake up briefly to reopen the airway, which can happen many times a night, even if you don’t remember it.
2 – Gasping for air
Waking up suddenly with a sensation of gasping or choking is a common sign of sleep apnea. This happens because your airway becomes blocked while you sleep, cutting off your breathing. When this occurs, your body reacts by waking you up so you can breathe again.
Unlike waking up because of a bad dream or discomfort, these awakenings happen often and are due to struggling to breathe. They prevent you from getting deep, restful sleep, making you feel tired during the day.
If you often wake up gasping or choking, it’s important to see a doctor. This is a key sign of sleep apnea and getting help can improve your sleep and health.
3 – Excessive fatigue
Feeling very tired during the day, even if you sleep a lot at night, can be a sign of sleep apnea. This kind of tiredness goes beyond just feeling a bit sleepy. You might struggle to stay awake while working, watching TV, or driving.
Sleep apnea causes constant interruptions in your sleep, stopping you from getting deep, restful sleep. Because of this, your body and mind don’t get the rest they need, leaving you exhausted the next day. You might find it hard to focus, remember things, and get things done.
Excessive daytime sleepiness is a big sign of sleep apnea, and getting help can boost your energy and improve your life.
