Sometimes it becomes difficult to spot a particular problem, as symptoms for many disorders will overlap and finding the right disorder becomes a major task. To worsen the situation, symptoms of sleep apnea occurs only in the night, as a result of which only a few people really know about it. The person affected by sleep apnea rarely knows about the symptoms that shows up. Only the person sleeping right next to the patient can truly identify the problem.
Few of the indicators which will help to perceive a clear view of sleep apnea are:
- Loud Snoring - Sound generated due to the obstruction of free flow of air in the back of the nose and mouth. It occurs when a person sleeps on his back and ceases when he sleeps on his sides.
- Intermittent stoppages of breath in sleep which last for 10-20 seconds that occurs about 100 to 400 times in a night.
- When stoppage of breath occurs the person gets to inhale higher amount of air, which may cause the person to choke and gasp causing loss of sleep.
- Insomnia - Having trouble falling sleep, highly disturbed and un-refreshing sleep, or waking up too early in the morning are indicators that a person is suffering from Insomnia.
- Daytime sleepiness or sleeping at inappropriate times and places without the knowledge
- Dry mouth caused due to inhalation through the mouth
- Heart burns - Chronic heart burn could cause damage to the sensitive tissues of the throat due to the acid that rises from the stomach to the esophagus thereby leading to Sleep Apnea. It is one of the early symptoms too to show up before Sleep Apnea manifests.
- Person gets irritated easily even without getting provoked
- Morning headaches or hangovers due to insufficient sleep
- Forgetfulness or Absent Mindedness
- Sudden mood swings
- Sudden weight gain - Sleep apnea and Heart burns could cause a person to suddenly gain weight or could lead to Obesity.
- Poor judgement or reduced analysis capability
- Personality changes
- High blood pressure
- Swelling of the legs (in certain advanced cases)
- Frequent urination at night - Due to low level of oxygen in the body, there is increase in pressure on the right side of the heart. It in turn triggers high level of hormone called atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). ANP is a diuretic that is associated with increased number of visits to the bathroom.
- Decreased libido - Inability to breathe properly during sleep results in low production of hormone testosterone, resulting in decreased libido and sexual activity.
If the above indicators persist it is advisable to consult the physician. Tests will be performed on the patient to check whether there is any extra growth of tissues or blockages. A simple questionnaire can be administered on the patient and his/her family members to gain better insight into the symptoms experienced during sleep and the sleep pattern he/she is into.
The following tests can also be done by the physician to reconfirm:
- Sleep studies
- An ECG
- Verify and record observations of low oxygen or increased carbon dioxide
- Echocardiogram to assess normal functioning of the heart
- Thyroid test
