Newsletter

Do You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Do family members tell you that you snore? If so, it may be possible that you are suffering from sleep apnea.

According to respiratory therapists from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), there are several clues that can help you decide whether or not to seek testing for sleep apnea.

Do you experience sleepiness during the day?

People with sleep apnea wake up a lot at night, usually without even knowing it. Many suffer from daytime drowsiness as a result.

A bed partner reports brief periods of no breathing: If your bed partner notices you stopping breathing for even few seconds at a time during the night, you may have sleep apnea.

Very loud snoring: Lots of people snore, but people with sleep apnea usually snore consistently throughout the night and their snoring is extremely loud.

Struggling, snorting, gasping, choking, or partially or completely waking up in an attempt to resume breathing: If your sleep is repeatedly disrupted by these occurrences, sleep testing is in order.

Waking up with a dry mouth and/or morning headache: A dry mouth may mean you`ve been gasping for breath, and a headache signals a poor night`s rest.

Learn more about sleep apnea and respiratory care on the AARC`s consumer web site.
http://www.aarc.org/