Article by Maria Vasquez

Signs of OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a serious snoring disorder that causes the snorer to temporarily stop breathing during their sleep. About 90 % of people with this problem are completely clueless to the fact this is even happening to them.

It is usually their partner who has gone mad with sleepless nights who urges them to do something about it. Often, not only does OSA affect your physical well being, but it also affects your social and personal life. People who suffer from OSA are typically anxious, irritable, and have a hard time concentrating on simple daily tasks.

Aside from snoring, the signs of OSA will vary depending on the time of day. If you are overweight, the signs of OSA may include abnormalities of the airway due to the excess fat around the throat. In these cases, the possibility of you having OSA increases dramatically.

Nighttime signs of OSA include * Heavy snoring* Pauses of at least 10 seconds of non breathing.* Restless sleep* Choking during sleep* Heartburn* Excessive sweating* Frequent urination at night

Daytime Signs of OSA include:* Decrease in sexual drive* Irritability* Morning headaches* Excessive daytime sleepiness* Difficulty in concentrating on mental tasks* Tendency to become forgetful* Increased tendency to become depressed* Easy fatigability

The cycle of sleep apnea can last from 20 seconds to 3 minutes, occurring often throughout the sleeping period. If this happens more than fifteen times per night, this can also indicate another of established signs of OSA.

It is also possible for a condition called central sleep apnea to occur in people who have OSA. In this case, the brain controlled respiration is malfunctions, decreasing the amount of oxygen to get to the brain. Because of this, the brain cells may die. The brain is very dependent on oxygen.

If you are having trouble sleeping soundly and it is followed by at least 2 or 3 signs of OSA, particularly if you are overweight, it may be time to talk to a doctor about what’s going on with you.

The physiological and mental damage that obstructive sleep apnea can and usually does causes is not worth the delay.

Sleep Well and Take Care,

Maria

~Signs of OSA~

About the Author

Who’s the biggest snoring offender- men or women? Did you know that up to 50% of people with sleep apnea also has high blood pressure? Click here for the sake of your health and well being. Not knowing could spell disaster for you!

Tagged with: Apnea • Obstructive • Signs • Sleep

Filed under: Obstructive Sleep Apnea

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