6 Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea
You've likely heard of sleep apnea, but aren't sure of what to look for - here we break down a few signs for you to be aware of!
Over 100 million American are snoring every night and 30 million of them have sleep apnea. Picture all of Florida gasping at night, and you’ll get a sense of the problem. However, less than 1 in 10 individuals with sleep apnea have been correctly diagnosed. Many individuals never think to look into what deeper issues may be causing their snoring or fatigue, and others are discouraged by the long wait for a sleep study.
And with that, here are 6 signs you might have sleep apnea.
1. You’re a Human Being
Sorry gentlemen, while sleep apnea does impact both men and women, men are diagnosed with it at a much higher rate. In fact, 1 in 5 American men have sleep apnea. The gender differences in hormones, airway anatomy, obesity and aging all appear to be contributing factors. But don’t gloat ladies, it still affects about 1 in 10 women. Basically, if you’re a human with an airway, you might have sleep apnea.
2. You’re Heavier Set
Many Americans struggle with being overweight or obese, and sleep apnea is one of the side effects, even though it might not make the “top 10 list of scary reasons to lose weight.” Fat stores can narrow our airways, making them more likely to collapse during sleep. But those of you that have a BMI in the ‘normal’ range don’t get a free pass. Sleep apnea can affect people of all shapes and sizes.
3. You’re Over the Hill
It seems with each birthday we receive a new exciting ache, pain, or malady… including sleep apnea. Slower reflexes between your brain and upper airway, plus weaker muscle function can make your airway more collapsible.
4. You Snore the Roof off the House
If someone tells you that you snore, odds are that your nighttime noises are damaging their sleep, and almost certainly your own. That’s because sleep apnea restricts your breathing, causing snoring or even sudden choking. So, if they add “it sounded like you stopped breathing for a little bit last night” they’re offering a giant clue that you could have sleep apnea.
5. You’ve Got No “Get Up and Go” During the Day
Everyone occasionally feels tired during the day - but are you tired every day? Do you have low energy? Do you have trouble staying awake without caffeine or another stimulant? Sleep apnea can make breathing so difficult at night, that your body will wake up to get a breath, interrupting your sleep. Depending on your level of sleep apnea, this may be between 5 – 200 times per hour.
6. You Just Feel “Off / Out of It / Not Your Best”
Do you have a hard time concentrating, or doing things that used to come easy? Forgetting something you learned in class? Feeling moody or irritable? These could all be signs that you have sleep apnea. Poor sleep can take a toll on your brain, leading to difficulties with memory, hand eye coordination, and emotional wellness. Bottom line: sleep apnea might be preventing you from being the best version of yourself… and it’s possible you don’t even know it!
If you went through this list of 6 signs you might have sleep apnea, and found that you were mentally checking each box, we have good news. GEM is here to help you determine whether or not you have sleep apnea and, if so, also guide you through treatment to a happier and healthier lifestyle. Let’s put a stop to your sleep apnea for good.
Learn more: View our 'What is Sleep Apnea?' Video.
To find out if you have sleep apnea, take our quiz now!
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.
Over 100 million American are snoring every night and 30 million of them have sleep apnea. Picture all of Florida gasping at night, and you’ll get a sense of the problem. However, less than 1 in 10 individuals with sleep apnea have been correctly diagnosed. Many individuals never think to look into what deeper issues may be causing their snoring or fatigue, and others are discouraged by the long wait for a sleep study.
And with that, here are 6 signs you might have sleep apnea.
1. You’re a Human Being
Sorry gentlemen, while sleep apnea does impact both men and women, men are diagnosed with it at a much higher rate. In fact, 1 in 5 American men have sleep apnea. The gender differences in hormones, airway anatomy, obesity and aging all appear to be contributing factors. But don’t gloat ladies, it still affects about 1 in 10 women. Basically, if you’re a human with an airway, you might have sleep apnea.
2. You’re Heavier Set
Many Americans struggle with being overweight or obese, and sleep apnea is one of the side effects, even though it might not make the “top 10 list of scary reasons to lose weight.” Fat stores can narrow our airways, making them more likely to collapse during sleep. But those of you that have a BMI in the ‘normal’ range don’t get a free pass. Sleep apnea can affect people of all shapes and sizes.
3. You’re Over the Hill
It seems with each birthday we receive a new exciting ache, pain, or malady… including sleep apnea. Slower reflexes between your brain and upper airway, plus weaker muscle function can make your airway more collapsible.
4. You Snore the Roof off the House
If someone tells you that you snore, odds are that your nighttime noises are damaging their sleep, and almost certainly your own. That’s because sleep apnea restricts your breathing, causing snoring or even sudden choking. So, if they add “it sounded like you stopped breathing for a little bit last night” they’re offering a giant clue that you could have sleep apnea.
5. You’ve Got No “Get Up and Go” During the Day
Everyone occasionally feels tired during the day - but are you tired every day? Do you have low energy? Do you have trouble staying awake without caffeine or another stimulant? Sleep apnea can make breathing so difficult at night, that your body will wake up to get a breath, interrupting your sleep. Depending on your level of sleep apnea, this may be between 5 – 200 times per hour.
6. You Just Feel “Off / Out of It / Not Your Best”
Do you have a hard time concentrating, or doing things that used to come easy? Forgetting something you learned in class? Feeling moody or irritable? These could all be signs that you have sleep apnea. Poor sleep can take a toll on your brain, leading to difficulties with memory, hand eye coordination, and emotional wellness. Bottom line: sleep apnea might be preventing you from being the best version of yourself… and it’s possible you don’t even know it!
If you went through this list of 6 signs you might have sleep apnea, and found that you were mentally checking each box, we have good news. GEM is here to help you determine whether or not you have sleep apnea and, if so, also guide you through treatment to a happier and healthier lifestyle. Let’s put a stop to your sleep apnea for good.
Learn more: View our 'What is Sleep Apnea?' Video.
To find out if you have sleep apnea, take our quiz now!
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.