Sleep apnea is a medical condition in which an individual does not breathe properly while sleeping. The underlying causes for the condition often involve intermittent phases where the muscles that control breathing do not respond properly, or the muscles in the throat relax abnormally. Along with several possible causes for the condition, there are also several symptoms of sleep apnea that are common to just about every individual who experiences this ailment.
One of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea is a great deal of loud snoring during sleep. While many people snore at one time or another, consistent snoring night after night is a sign that proper breathing is not occurring during sleep. If left untreated, the condition is likely to worsen over time.
Many of the symptoms of sleep apnea are experienced during the waking hours. A headache first thing in the morning is not uncommon, owing to the interruption of a normal sleep cycle the night before. This is especially true if the condition has progressed to the point of causing insomnia, an inability to sleep or remain asleep for any appreciable period of time. There is also the possibility that the sufferer will feel somewhat short of breath when first waking, although this symptom usually subsides in a few seconds.
Hypersomnia is easily one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of sleep apnea. A person with this symptom feels an almost uncontrollable urge to sleep during the daytime. Moments of clarity and alertness are few and far between, with some people reporting they go through the day feeling as if they are actually half-asleep. It is not unusual for an individual with hypersomnia to be easily irritated by a variety of sounds, as well as lose any desire to eat, resulting in weight loss.
Long term, the symptoms of sleep apnea include the development of depression. As the body is deprived or recuperative sleep, the immune system is weakened and organs begin to perform less efficiently. The brain may begin to produce neurotransmitters out of balance with one another, leading to the depressed state. If left untreated, this combination of sleep apnea and depression can lead to the development of anxiety disorders that further complicate the treatment process and provide a great deal of discomfort for the patient.
Fortunately, all the symptoms of sleep apnea can be successfully treated. The process often involves the use of sleep apnea equipment that helps to regulate breathing at night. Continued use of the equipment allows the apnea sufferer to sleep comfortably and safely, without constant interruptions. Often, many of the side effects of sleep apnea begin to fade after a couple nights of recuperative sleep. When and as necessary, medication can be utilized to help bring the remaining symptoms under control as the body and mind continue to recover.