You ask the doctor to get a test. Frequently now the test is done in your home. Some people are unaware, some are determined because of spouse complaints. Some feel foggy in the morning, and some cannot stay awake during the day. Many have a profile of short neck or being overweight or obese. The usual treatment is CPAP and rarely BiPAP. Some qualify for a surgical device implanted in the throat. People are fitted for a nasal mask and for more severe, will be fitted for a full face mask. There are a certain percentage who cannot tolerate anything at the face and if the machine makes noise means that the mask falls off or the person takes it off when sleeping. The catch is that those machines are set up to measure if you use the machine for at least 4 hours each night. The non compliant patients will have the machine taken away. This is insurance policy. Once you see the doctor consult, if the overnight test is positive, you will have a 2nd appointment for the fitting. It is important that you speak up about what feels OK or not to find the appropriate mask.
I don’t have it, but it’s like sleep honk wake gasp all night long. I’ve observed it.
If untreated, sleep apnea can cause a stroke or heart attack plus many other problems. It’s a serious health condition and can cause sudden death.
My friend woke up in the bed with her husband who was dead. He had serious sleep apnea but had refused to treat it. He didn’t want to be hooked up to a machine all night. So he died.
I felt tired even after I woke up after a full night's sleep. I couldn't read a book during the day or evening without almost immediately falling asleep. My husband told me I snore. My Mother always snored (we shared a room when I was growing up). She was never overweight but had the "turkey neck". I gained a lot of weight after my kids were born plus I also have the turkey neck.
After I got the sleep assessment I was diagnosed with mild/moderate apnea. Once I found the right mask, I now have fitful sleep every night and wake up feeling rested. I even started dreaming again. I don't even wake up to pee like I was doing (because with apnea you never reach the deep rem sleep). I sleep through thunderstorms and my husband getting up early for his appointments.
I knew a man who was very overweight and was told his organs were about to shut down due to his weight-related apnea. So, apnea over time is a serious thing. There are many studies that indicate poor sleep may contribute to certain dementias.
More good info here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
I have asthma and have been hospitalized for it. It’s frightening not to be able to breathe.
The usual treatment is CPAP and rarely BiPAP. Some qualify for a surgical device implanted in the throat. People are fitted for a nasal mask and for more severe, will be fitted for a full face mask. There are a certain percentage who cannot tolerate anything at the face and if the machine makes noise means that the mask falls off or the person takes it off when sleeping.
The catch is that those machines are set up to measure if you use the machine for at least 4 hours each night. The non compliant patients will have the machine taken away. This is insurance policy.
Once you see the doctor consult, if the overnight test is positive, you will have a 2nd appointment for the fitting. It is important that you speak up about what feels OK or not to find the appropriate mask.
If untreated, sleep apnea can cause a stroke or heart attack plus many other problems. It’s a serious health condition and can cause sudden death.
My friend woke up in the bed with her husband who was dead. He had serious sleep apnea but had refused to treat it. He didn’t want to be hooked up to a machine all night. So he died.
After I got the sleep assessment I was diagnosed with mild/moderate apnea. Once I found the right mask, I now have fitful sleep every night and wake up feeling rested. I even started dreaming again. I don't even wake up to pee like I was doing (because with apnea you never reach the deep rem sleep). I sleep through thunderstorms and my husband getting up early for his appointments.
I knew a man who was very overweight and was told his organs were about to shut down due to his weight-related apnea. So, apnea over time is a serious thing. There are many studies that indicate poor sleep may contribute to certain dementias.
More good info here:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631