Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder where your breathing is briefly interrupted while you are asleep. While it is common it can be very serious, and many people are not even aware that they have it. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea. It happens when your airway is blocked which causes pauses in breathing and loud snoring.
Symptoms:
- Loud snoring every night
- Choking, snorting, or gasping during sleep
- Pauses in breathing
- Waking up feeling out of breath
- Daytime fatigue
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Insomnia
- Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
- Morning headaches
Sleep apnea is most common in males over the age of 65 but anyone can be at risk. If you notice these symptoms it is important to contact a doctor and begin taking steps to treat sleep apnea. There are many health risks that can occur if sleep apnea goes unnoticed including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, liver problems, and dementia.
There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep. -Homer