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Sleep apnea is a condition in which the patient is unable to breath for brief periods while he or she is asleep. It is categorized into two: obstructive and central. In fact, the individual suffering from this disorder actually stops breathing. You must seriously consider this point because it indicates the dangerous nature of this sleep disorder. If neglected and left untreated, it could cause death.

There are a number of symptoms that signal this sleeping disorder but as this disorder takes place when one is sleeping these symptoms can be hard to point out. Some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

- Constantly tossing and turning during sleep.
- Choking, gasping for breath, sweating and chest pain during sleep
- Irritable and tired, personality changes
- Feeling un-refreshed after sleeping
- Memory and concentration problems
- Nighttime heartburn
- Nocturnal urinating
- Approximately 50% of sleep apnea sufferers report headaches
- Waking up feeling very thirsty

All or some of these symptoms are accompanied with loud snoring, which tends to get worse if the person suffering from this disorder sleeps on his/her back.

Loud and chronic snoring is also observed with sleep apnea. Snoring is commonly observed with Obstructive sleep apnea. This may be due to the partial obstruction of the airway due to lax of muscles at the throat and tongue. Loud snoring also awakens the person sleeping and as well as the person sleeping beside him.

Many sleep apnea sufferers do not even know that they stop breathing during the night. These episodes of not breathing can happen up to a hundred times a night. Sleep apnea can be fatal if the person does not wake and it can be very harmful due to serious and severe sleep deprivation.

Choking, gasping or snorting during sleep awakes the person. With more than 10 second-period of apnea or absence of breathing this causes hypoxia. Hypoxia is the lack of oxygen in the blood. With this present, the body signals the person to breathe hence awakens the person.

Morbidly obese people usually suffer from this problem, which is why they have to wear oxygen masks to bed. In the obese, sleep apnea is caused by the pressure of their own weight on their lungs. Obese people also snore a lot and gasp for breath. Usually, middle-aged men who are morbidly obese are at a greater risk of contracting sleep apnea. A woman’s physiology protects her from contracting this disorder.

A summary of common sleep apnea symptoms:
Minor symptoms of sleep apnea include irritability, concentration problems, frequent urination, rise in heart rate, depression, esophageal reflux, headaches, moodiness, Noctoria (a condition which forces a patient to visit the bathroom for urination at night), lowered libido, and profuse sweating in the night.

If your symptoms are severe, or lifestyle changes have not helped then it is recommended that you consult your physician. In time, you should be able to fix your sleep apnea problem and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Thanks to medical advancement and doctors, people today already have an understanding on what is sleep apnea. Information is readily available on the internet. Further studies led to finding 3 different types – obstructive, complex and central. Sleep apnea machines and masks already have numerous designs to choose from. There have been a lot of development. All the information and solution we need are made readily available. It’s all because of the people behind its discovery and research. It is now up to us to help disseminate this information to save people from this deadly sleep disorder. Sleep apnea symptoms often remain undiagnosed and this could lead to heart related problems.

Sleep Apnea is not a normal health issue, or sleeping problem. Individuals suffering from it should seek medical attention soonest possible. Do take note that sufferers may not be aware of the condition, so if you see the symptons on your friends, spouse or family members, remember to take action asap. Snoring and Weight gain are common Side Effects of Apnea. Last but not least, wishing everyone have a good night sleep always!