Far too many people have sleep apnea without realizing it. As such, it’s important to have a clear idea of what symptoms can potentially point toward sleep-disordered breathing. However, it’s also worth bearing in mind that what might seem like a warning sign of sleep apnea could actually be the result of a completely different issue. Here’s what you need to know about symptoms related to sleep apnea and what other conditions they might be linked to.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can present differently depending on the cause and severity of the disorder, but common side effects include:
- Loud snoring
- Constantly waking up throughout the night
- Gasping for air while asleep
- Feeling excessively tired during the day
- Morning headaches
- Irritability, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems
Disorders That Can Be Confused for Sleep Apnea
There are several examples of disorders that can look like sleep apnea on the surface:
- COPD: COPD is short for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is a condition of the lungs that can restrict airflow. Like sleep apnea, COPD can lead to poor quality sleep and cause you to wake up gasping for air.
- Asthma: Asthma can cause the airways to narrow and become blocked by mucus. If asthma strikes at night, it can cause shortness of breath, similar to sleep apnea.
- Thyroid Disorders: The thyroid gland is responsible for making hormones that regulate sleep. Without these hormones, falling and staying asleep can be difficult. This is not unlike the way sleep apnea can affect the quality of your slumber.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: This disorder can cause you to feel excessively tired during the day regardless of how much sleep you get. Similarly, sleep apnea can leave you feeling exhausted since it frequently disrupts your slumber.
- Sinusitis: If your sinuses become inflamed, you may experience snoring, breathing interruptions, and other symptoms commonly linked to sleep apnea.
How to Tell If You Really Have Sleep Apnea
Since there are so many disorders that can share symptoms with sleep apnea, the best way to tell for sure whether you are suffering from sleep-disordered breathing is to undergo a sleep test. This can be done in your own home, and it involves a special device that can monitor your breathing, oxygen levels, and more throughout the night. A sleep expert can analyze the results of the test and determine whether you’re likely suffering from sleep apnea or another issue.
Having your sleep disorder accurately diagnosed is essential for getting the right kind of treatment. If you have any reason to think you might have sleep apnea, take whatever steps you need to in order to have a sleep test performed.
About the Author
Dr. David J. Drummond went to the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, and he spent time serving in the United States Army Dental Corps. At his current practice in Lawton, he provides oral appliance therapy as a solution for patients who are having trouble getting a good night’s rest due to sleep apnea. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Drummond, visit his website or call (580) 355-0344.