Do you wake up feeling tired, even after a full night's sleep? Maybe your partner complains about your thunderous snoring. These could be signs you're dealing with more than just a bad night – it could be sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where you repeatedly stop and start breathing during the night.
So, how do you know if you *actually* have it?
**Beyond Snoring: Key Signs and Symptoms:**
* **Excessive Daytime Sleepiness:** Feeling constantly tired, even after 7-9 hours of sleep.
* **Loud Snoring, Often with Gasping or Choking Sounds:** Your partner might be the first to notice this!
* **Waking Up with a Sore Throat or Dry Mouth:** A common side effect of mouth breathing during sleep.
* **Morning Headaches:** Lack of oxygen overnight can trigger headaches.
* **Difficulty Concentrating:** Sleep deprivation impacts cognitive function.
* **High Blood Pressure:** Sleep apnea can worsen hypertension.
If you experience several of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor. They can diagnose sleep apnea through a sleep study and recommend appropriate treatment options like CPAP therapy.
