Many people are completely unaware that they are suffering from a sleep-related disorder, typically caused by the airways closing, which blocks the oxygen supply and that wakes the person, who has no idea what happened and returns to sleep. If this happens 4-5 times a night and the person is unaware, there will be consequences, as lack of sleep has a very negative impact on your health, and with that in mind, here are some common symptoms and sleep behaviours that are connected to sleep apnoea.
Day Symptoms
If a person is not receiving enough sleep, for whatever reason, they will constantly fee tired, while becoming easily agitated and irritable, which is a common behaviour for an overtired person. If you find yourself dozing off suddenly during the day, this is a tell-tale sign that you are not getting enough sleep. Of course, the reason for lack of sleep might be down to sleeping less hours than normal, but if you are going to bed at the normal time, yet feel fatigued, this could be due to an interruptive sleeping disorder. If you visit a chemist, you can take a sleep apnoea test and if the signs are there, you should visit your GP, who would refer you to a sleep centre, where you would spend one night, while your sleeping behaviours are monitored. Other symptoms include the inability to concentrate, and if you find yourself losing your cool for the slightest of reasons, this could be down to lack of sleep.
Sleeping Behaviours
A person with sleep apnoea would exhibit the following night time behaviours:
- Irregular breathing patterns.
- Making loud gasping or choking noises.
- Waking up for no apparent reason.
- Loud snoring.
A person with sleep apnoea would be told by their partner about their sleep pattern, indeed, many people shrug it off, without realising this is the very reason why they are always tired.
Effective Treatment for Sleep Apnoea
One of the most effective ways to keep the airways open in the sleeping person is to use a CPAP machine. CPAP stands for constant positive airways pressure, and the small device sits next to the bed, while the user wears a CPAP mask, and while sleeping, the constant air pressure keeps the airways open. There are online suppliers of CPAP machines, although you are advised to talk to a doctor prior to investing in a machine, as this might not be the best treatment solution.
