Sleep apnea is a condition that doesn’t always make itself obvious. Some people who have it don’t realize they’re suffering and ignore the potential clues. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that causes people to suddenly stop breathing while asleep. Patients have found some relief with CPAP masks and lifestyle changes and have improved their quality of life with a sleep apnea diagnosis.
5 Signs You Might Need A CPAP Machine
The key to getting relief from this potentially serious condition is to understand the signs of sleep apnea. The problem with sleep apnea is that it could potentially lower someone’s blood oxygen levels and increase their blood pressure. This could lead to issues with the heart and cardiovascular system. Here are five signs that someone could benefit from a CPAP with mask.
1. Daytime Sleepiness
The first clue that there may be an issue with sleep apnea is hard to miss. If you are sleepy during the day, you may attribute your tiredness to being busy or stressed out. Being tired all day is also a symptom of many other health conditions. Daytime sleepiness that is chronic may be a clue that there is a problem with sleep apnea.
2. Frequent Wakeups
Waking up frequently in the middle of the night is another common sign of sleep apnea. As people age, they may find it more difficult to sleep at night. Insomnia may also be associated with other causes, such as too much caffeine before bed or a weak bladder. It’s important to discuss concerns with your doctor if you wake up at night often.
3. Heavy Snoring
Another telling sign that there may be a sleep apnea problem is if you snore loudly. Sometimes, your partner may be the only one who notices you are a heavy snorer or you may wake yourself up in the middle of the night due to loud snoring. Snoring can sometimes be quieted down with a quality CPAP device, such as the Resmed Mirage Quattro headgear.
4. Increased Discomfort in the Morning
People with sleep apnea may also feel bad in the morning. They may not even realize they aren’t getting quality sleep at night until they wake up with a sore throat, headache or a dry mouth. The frequent wake-ups and snoring may dry out their nasal and throat passages, leading to serious discomfort in the morning.
5. Trouble Paying Attention
The last big sign you may benefit from a CPAP machine is if you are struggling to stay alert and pay attention each day. Even if you don’t feel tired, the impact of not getting consistent sleep may show up in your ability to pay attention and do your job. Untreated sleep apnea may leave you feeling unmotivated to do your job and unable to focus on the smaller details. This could impact your work or studies and have long-term consequences.
Getting an official diagnosis of sleep apnea may not be easy if you don’t know the signs of this condition. Be aware of how your sleep habits may be affecting the rest of your body and your daily routine. Talk to your doctor to get more information about how CPAP machines can help.
