Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes an individual to experience numerous breathing disruptions throughout the night while they sleep. These cessations in breathing occur when the soft tissues in the individual’s throat collapse and block their airway. As a result, the individual often snores, chokes, or gasps for air in an attempt to reopen the airway and breathe normally. The cessation of breathing can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes.
In most instances, the individual is unaware of their sleep apnea and doesn’t recall choking throughout the night. A family member or partner often notices their condition and witnesses them choking for air while sleeping. If sleep apnea goes undiagnosed or untreated, it increases the individual’s risk of health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. This is why it’s essential to undergo a sleep study if you suspect you have sleep apnea.
If you suspect you’re suffering from sleep apnea, take a home sleep test and have your results analyzed by a sleep physician who can set you up with a treatment plan. Follow along as ApneaMed walks you through the warning signs of sleep apnea and explains how to get tested for sleep apnea.
The Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea
Knowing what to look out for is the first step to getting the sleep apnea treatment you or your partner need. Keep an eye out for the following warning signs indicating you may have sleep apnea.
- You feel unrested after a whole night of sleep – The most common warning signs of sleep apnea are feeling unrested, fatigued, and lethargic during the even — even after receiving a full eight hours of sleep. The poor sleep quality you are getting each night will make it hard to function throughout the day.
- You are a noisy sleeper – Does your partner complain that you snore or make noises while sleeping? Because sleep apnea causes a blockage in your airway, you will often snore, choke, or gasp throughout the night in an attempt to remove the obstruction.
- You can’t stay still while sleeping – If your partner has ever complained that you move around a lot in your sleep, it could be a sign of sleep apnea. Your body may recognize that your airway is becoming blocked, prompting you to reposition yourself throughout the night while reopening your airway. You may not even know you’re doing it!
Additional Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
You may also notice these additional symptoms that may indicate you are suffering from sleep apnea:
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Low energy
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritable
If any warning signs sound familiar, it may be time to get tested for sleep apnea.
ApneaMed Provides At-Home Sleep Apnea Testing
If you suspect that you might be suffering from sleep apnea, you must get tested to get the necessary treatment. ApneaMed provides you with everything you need to administer a home sleep study and get a diagnosis without leaving the comfort of your home. A home sleep study is more affordable and efficient than one at a sleep lab.
We deliver the sleep apnea test with instructions so you feel comfortable and confident administering it on your own. The device will record your blood oxygen levels, heart and breathing rates, and how often your body moves throughout the night so a board-certified sleep physician can analyze the results.
Following your at-home sleep apnea test, ApneaMed provides you with a recommended treatment, such as AutoPAP therapy, to resolve your sleep apnea symptoms — helping you get a good night’s sleep to feel well-rested and energized all day.
ApneaMed offers various home sleep tests and in-home breathing equipment to help you treat your obstructive sleep apnea.