Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops throughout the night. It has the potential to cause serious health complications, and can be fatal. Sleep apnea affects 22 million Americans, and 80 percent of those with sleep apnea have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea that remains undiagnosed.
Signs and symptoms
- Excessive, loud snoring
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Episodes of no breathing, breathing through the mouth, or loud breathing
- Depression
- Dry mouth/throat
- Irritability
- Weight gain
- Mood swings
When to consult a doctor
Loud snoring is the most common side effect of sleep apnea. If your partner snores loudly with no apparent underlying cause (allergies, illness, deviated septum, etc.) it may be time to consult your doctor. If bouts of snoring or difficulty breathing keep you or your partner up at night, it would be wise to consult your physician, as this is one of the most serious complications of sleep apnea.
What are the complications of sleep apnea?
- Daytime fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Liver disease
If you or a loved one suffer from sleep apnea, consider clinical research for cost-effective treatment. To learn more about a Preferred Research Partners clinical trial, or to see if you qualify, click here.
Source
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
