Sleep apnea symptoms range from mild to severe. One person may have few signs of sleep apnea: snoring and gasping while asleep may be the only indication of the sleep disorder. For others, sleep apnea can cause depression, weight gain, and personality changes, all due to disrupted sleep patterns.
Sleep Apnea Snoring and Obstructed Breathing
For many people with obstructive skip apnea, snoring is a major symptom. Sleep apnea snoring often occurs if the airways are partially blocked. While snoring is a very common sleep apnea symptom, it is possible to have sleep apnea without snoring. Nor is snoring one of the definitive signs of sleep apnea: many people snore without experiencing sleep disorders.
The effects of sleep apnea range well beyond snoring. Obstructed breathing is very noticeable to a bed partner: the sudden cessation of a partner's breathing is quite alarming. Once aroused from deep sleep, people with sleep apnea may snore, gasp, or choke. Often these symptoms wake either the sleeper or the bed partner.
Sleep Apnea and Depression
Long-term sleep apnea and depression often occur together. Sleep apnea's chronic disruption of restful sleep has a negative effect on mental well-being. In addition to depression, the effects of sleep apnea on mental health include:
- Impaired memory
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Learning difficulties
- Loss of concentration.
- Personality changes
- Reduced libido (lack of sex drive)
Mental effects of sleep apnea negatively impact careers, education, and personal relations. While sleep apnea treatment often resolves mental health symptoms, treatment for depression may be required.
Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain
Sleep apnea and weight again have a complex relationship. Weight gain is a common sleep apnea symptom, while at the same time obesity is considered one of the causes of sleep apnea. The resulting interaction between sleep apnea and weight gain is a vicious cycle. Weight gain triggers sleep apnea, which causes weight gain, which exacerbates sleep apnea complications and symptoms.
Weight gain caused by sleep apnea increases the risk of heartburn and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). People with sleep apnea are often diagnosed with GERD, and the two conditions tend to aggravate each other.
Other Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Additional signs of sleep apnea include:
- Confusion while awakening
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry month on awakening
- Excessive sweating while asleep
- Falling asleep during the day
- Headaches in the morning
- High blood pressure
- Increased accident rates
- Insomnia
- Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination)
- Restless sleep
Dangers of Sleep Apnea
Left untreated, sleep apnea symptoms can develop into serious health conditions. Chronic sleep apnea complications can be life-threatening. Fortunately, appropriate sleep apnea treatment greatly reduces the dangers of sleep apnea.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
Michael McGrath - Michael McGrath began providing web content shortly after finishing his graduate degree in English at the University of Alberta. His broad ...
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