Sleep apnea..how many of you suffer from it and what are your symptoms?

Question

The past 2 years I haven't been sleeping well. I got a promotion at my job and have been really stressed out. I don't know if stress is what is triggering it but it could be. The other night my hubby was in bed next to me. He said I stopped breathing twice in about 30 minutes. It went on for about 10 seconds. When we first got together I didn't snore and slept through the entire night. I want some real life opinions before I go to the doctor.

Answer 1

Frequent cessation of breathing (apnea) during sleep. Your sleep partner may notice repeated silences from your side of the bed.
Choking or gasping during sleep to get air into the lungs
Loud snoring
Sudden awakenings to restart breathing
Waking up in a sweat during the night
Feeling unrefreshed in the morning after a night’s sleep
Headaches, sore throat, or dry mouth in the mornings after waking up
Daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as during driving or at work
Lethargy
Rapid weight gain
Memory loss and learning difficulties
Short attention span
Poor judgment
Depression
Personality changes

Take the epworth test (link below) and discuss the results with your doctor.

Answer 2

My husband has sleep apnea. He's 27. It scared the crap outta me the 1st time I noticed he was would stop breathing. It sounds like you may have it too. The symptoms are daytime fatigue, falling asleep or feeling like you are going to fall asleep in the early evening,not being able to think as sharply, possible sore throat. These may be worse some nights depending on how many times and how often you quit breathing. There are 2 different types also. My husband has obstuctive sleep apnea. You may can find some relief by sleeping on your side.PLEASE SEE A DOCTOR THOUGH, THIS CAN PUT A STRAIN ON YOUR HEART!There are things you can do! Take care.

Answer 3

If you sit still too long during the day do you start to doze off? Is it more noticeable when you are reading or watching TV? Are you tired all the time? Are you getting short tempered? Are you gaining weight particularly around your middle? Is it getting harder for you to pay attention and focus on things?

Testing for sleep apnea involves sleeping while a lab monitors your vital signs and brain waves - no big deal. I strongly suggest you see your doctor as soon as possible. Sleep deprivation is serious.

Answer 4

You can read these articles to help you understand sleep apnea a bit better:

http://improvedhealthandfitness.com/Sleep_Apnea_Articles.html

You may also want to check out this site:

http://improvedhealthandfitness.com/naturalsleep.html

Hope this helps...