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7 Surprising Signs You’re Suffering from Sleep Apnea and Don’t Even Know It
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Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. However, many individuals remain undiagnosed, often due to a lack of awareness about the symptoms. While sleep apnea can affect anyone, research suggests that women are more likely to experience delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. According to a recent study, “Women experience insomnia, fatigue, morning headaches, mood disturbances, and other symptoms that are often mistaken for other conditions.”
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What is Sleep Apnea?
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Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apneas, can occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting sleep quality and overall health. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. OSA is the most common type, caused by a blockage in the airway.
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Common Signs of Sleep Apnea
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While loud snoring and daytime sleepiness are well-known symptoms of sleep apnea, there are several other surprising signs that may indicate you have the condition. Here are seven unexpected signs of sleep apnea:
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- Morning Headaches: Waking up with headaches can be a sign of sleep apnea. These headaches are often caused by low oxygen levels in the blood, which occur when breathing is disrupted during sleep.
- Nighttime Choking or Gagging: If you experience choking or gagging sensations during sleep, it may be a sign of sleep apnea. This occurs when the airway is blocked, causing you to wake up gasping for air.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep can be a symptom of sleep apnea. This is often due to the disrupted sleep patterns caused by apneas.
- Mood Disturbances: Sleep apnea can lead to irritability, anxiety, and depression. This is often caused by the chronic sleep deprivation and low oxygen levels.
- Loss of Libido: Sleep apnea can affect hormone levels, leading to a decrease in libido. This is often due to the disrupted sleep patterns and low oxygen levels.
- Nocturia: Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate can be a sign of sleep apnea. This is often caused by the increased fluid buildup in the body, which occurs when breathing is disrupted.
- Memory Problems: Sleep apnea can affect cognitive function, leading to memory problems and difficulty concentrating. This is often due to the chronic sleep deprivation and low oxygen levels.
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Why Women Are More Likely to Go Undiagnosed
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According to a recent study, “Because of this, many women go undiagnosed or are diagnosed much later than men.” Women are more likely to experience insomnia, fatigue, and mood disturbances, which are often mistaken for other conditions. This delayed diagnosis can lead to a range of complications, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.
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What to Do If You Suspect Sleep Apnea
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If you suspect you have sleep apnea, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional. They will likely recommend a sleep study to diagnose the condition. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, exercise, and quitting smoking.
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Conclusion
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Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can have serious consequences if left untreated. By being aware of the surprising signs of sleep apnea, you can take the first step towards getting diagnosed and treated. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life and reduce the risk of complications. Learn more about sleep apnea and its effects on overall health here.”,”id”:”AhQMcZ314oiw9V6mhj5Pblc”},”logprobs”:null}],”created”:1757318306,”object”:”chat.completions”,”usage”:{“prompt_tokens”:275,”completion_tokens”:982,”total_tokens”:1257}}
