Sleep Apnea Symptoms - Are You Suffering From This Condition?

Sleep apnea is a condition that is gaining more recognition from the medical profession and is now the most researched sleep disorder. It is more than just a problem with snoring. It is associated with serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure and an increased incidence of stroke. Think that you may be a sufferer or live with a person with the condition? Here are some of the main sleep apnea symptoms.

Daytime sleepiness - Sleep disturbance means that a sufferer is going to feel tired during the day. Some people do not wake up during the night, despite their condition. However they do not enter a deep restful sleep. This leads to sleepiness during following day.

Snoring - Snoring is commonly associated with obstructive sleep apnea. This is caused by the partial blockage of the airway. Some sufferers have been known to snore so badly that they have woken up their bed partners, other family members and even the neighbors.

Mood changes - You may notice that people become more irritable or have other changes in mood.

Impaired cognitive function - Doing simple tasks that require use of the brain can seem to be a little more difficult. For instance it maybe harder to concentrate on a given task. Or you may notice a person becoming forgetful.

Decreased libido - Sufferers often lose interest in sex. This can be because they are generally tired. But recent studies have also shown the condition causes a lowering of the male sex hormone testosterone

High blood pressure - Sleep apnea is associated with having a higher blood pressure and this puts patients at an increased risk of stroke and heart complications.

You shouldn't try and diagnose and treat yourself. If you recognize any of these sleep apnea symptoms you should visit your doctor and talk over your concerns with him/her. If it is thought that you may have the condition, you maybe sent for a polysomnogram. This is an overnight sleep test done at the sleep center/laboratory. This will confirm if you have the condition. You can then work with your doctor on formulating a treatment plan.