Sleep apnea is a condition that not just leads to snoring but can cause a person to stop breathing while asleep. This condition can lead to many problems if not treated. Many people are not aware that they have this condition.

Sleep apnea is a breathing problem in which a person stops breathing suddenly while asleep. This can lead to increased snoring. Sometimes it can cause the person to get up suddenly, gasping for breath. This can affect sleep quality and cause daytime sleeping, tiredness, and other problems. It is estimated that one in five people has some form of sleep apnea, while one in fifteen has symptoms that may be moderate or severe. Sleep apnea increases the risk of blood pressure. It is important to treat sleep apnea to prevent complications.

There are two forms of sleep apnea. One is obstructive sleep apnea, where the muscles at the back of the throat become relaxed. This leads to difficulty in breathing. The other form is central sleep apnea, where the brain does not send signals to the breathing muscles causing sudden shortness of breath while asleep.

1. Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea

• Snoring during sleep can be loud and excessive.
• Episodes in which one stops breathing during sleep. This may not even be noticed by the person but may be noticed by others.
• Sometimes the sudden stoppage of breathing can cause a person to wake up. It can leave them gasping for breath. Such episodes can increase and affect the quality of sleep.
• Inadequate sleep at nighttime causes tiredness during the day. It affects the normal routine of the person, as it leads to daytime sleepiness.
• Snoring and frequent waking up can affect the sleep of a partner.
• Tiredness and sleepiness during the daytime can affect a person’s work and lead to risks while driving or working with machinery.
• It can cause dryness in the mouth after waking up.
• Sleep apnea can cause mood changes, including irritability.
• Sometimes the person can wake up with headaches in the morning, which worsen the mood.
• It can lead to other problems like forgetfulness. It can also lead to disinterest in sex.

2. Complications

• It can cause increased blood pressure leading to hypertension.
• It can lead to heart problems, increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
• It can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Liver problems can develop due to sleep apnea. The risk of developing a non-alcoholic fatty disease is high.
• People who have sleep apnea can face problems if they need to undergo surgery. They face the risk of complications after a surgical procedure.

The article listed some of the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. The information given would have helped one understand more about this condition. If one experiences any of these symptoms, they need to see a doctor and get treated to avoid complications.