Getting plenty of exercise, enjoying healthy food, and using stress management techniques can all help you feel your best—but the decisions you make during the day aren't the only factors that contribute to your wellness. High-quality sleep can make a world of difference in your well-being.
Many people are living with silent sleep apnea, which can result in problems with cardiovascular and metabolic health. Snoring is a well-known symptom of sleep apnea, but the condition can present in other ways—some people who have sleep apnea may not snore at all. Here, we'll explore the other symptoms of sleep apnea, and the next steps you should take if you believe you may have the condition.`
What is sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops and restarts repeatedly during sleep. Apneas—periods of breathing pauses that last between 10 and 30 seconds—typically occur several times throughout the night. This common condition can result in restless sleep that can make it difficult to function safely and efficiently the following day. While snoring is the most common symptom of sleep apnea, there are other symptoms that can also indicate the condition.
For many people, sleep apnea goes undiagnosed for years. This can result in many issues, including difficulty with memory, trouble concentrating, difficulty making decisions, and negative changes in behavior. Serious health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease, are linked to poor sleep.
If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing sleep apnea, it's important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to get a diagnosis and treatment that can help you get back to getting the sleep that you need.
Types of sleep apnea
There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is more common than central sleep apnea. During obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep. This can be caused by hormonal issues, large tonsils, obesity, and other health conditions. Airflow can be reduced or completely blocked during sleep apnea episodes. This type of sleep area can range from mild to severe, and may come and go with hormonal changes, weight changes, and other factors.
Central sleep apnea occurs due to neurological issues that stop the brain from sending the body the signals necessary for respiration. If you have health conditions that affect your brain's ability to send messages to your chest muscles and/or your respiratory system, you may experience central sleep apnea.
It's also possible to experience complex sleep apnea, a condition that combines aspects of both obstructive and central sleep apnea. Most people who have complex sleep apnea find out about their condition after treatment for obstructive sleep apnea proves ineffective.
Can you have sleep apnea without snoring?
Yes, you can have sleep apnea without snoring. Many people first become aware that they may have sleep apnea when their partner tells them that they've been snoring, or that they stop breathing and/or gasp in their sleep.
Other common symptoms of sleep apnea include:
- Daytime fatigue
- Morning headaches
- Falling asleep during pauses in the day, for example, while watching a TV show or sitting at a work desk
- Dry mouth upon waking
- Mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
While a night or two of poor quality sleep can result in fatigue, a consistent lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues over time, including stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
When to seek medical advice and how sleep apnea is diagnosed
If your partner has noticed excessive snoring or other symptoms consistent with sleep apnea, you find that you're falling asleep during abnormal times, or you simply can't seem to feel rested despite getting plenty of sleep, it's important to reach out to a medical professional to learn whether you may have sleep apnea. Your doctor will likely prescribe a sleep study. While you may be required to spend the night in a sleep study lab, some people are able to complete sleep studies at home. Your doctor will use the data collected during your sleep study to determine whether you have sleep apnea.
If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, your doctor will recommend a course of treatment based on your needs. Sleep apnea treatment can include using a CPAP machine at night to equalize pressure as you breathe, lifestyle changes, and/or surgery.
Using Evidation and connected apps to track sleep patterns and symptoms
Sleep apnea can stop you from getting enough sleep, and can have serious consequences if left untreated. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, it's important that you talk with a healthcare professional about scheduling a sleep study. Sharing your sleep data with your doctor can help them understand the severity of your symptoms. You can track this data using a wearable tracker, an app on your phone, or an in-bed tracker.
At Evidation, it's our job to help you feel your best
When you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, it can become impossible to feel healthy and energized throughout the day. Paying attention to the lesser-known symptoms of sleep apnea can help you determine whether you may have an issue that requires medical attention. If you notice that you're waking up with a dry mouth, headaches, or you simply don't feel rested in the morning, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you may be experiencing sleep apnea.
At Evidation, our team is here to help you work toward your wellness goals. When you choose to share the health data you're already tracking (such as your sleep data), we're able to use that information to offer personalized, content-based insights that can inform your next steps toward becoming your happiest, healthiest self. Ready to get started? We can't wait to support you. Click here to learn more about how Evidation works and download our free app today.
