If you suspect you have sleep apnea, delaying diagnosis will only take you one step closer to several illnesses caused by sleep apnea. Sleep apnea can cause a number of complications, including:

• Daytime fatigue

• High blood pressure

• Heart problems

• Type 2 diabetes

• Metabolic syndrome

• Complications with surgery and medications

• Liver problems

• Sleep deprived partners

For people who are not single, their partners can tell them if they suspect them of having sleep apnea. If you are single and just want to make sure you do not have sleep apnea, you need to be alert for the following signs:

1. Snoring at Night

Snoring at night is the most common symptom of sleep apnea. Even though snoring does not necessarily mean you have sleep apnea, getting a sleep apnea test just to make sure of it can provide you with peace of mind. If you do not know if you snore or not, you can record yourself snoring. If you live with someone, ask them to check up on you for a few nights to tell you if you snore.

2. Gasping for Air during Your Sleep

Gasping for air during your sleep means you stopped breathing in the middle of the night and are trying to catch your breath. Sleep apnea blocks your airway during sleep and results in you waking up throughout the night because you are short of breath. When you wake up, you feel tired. This is one of the most dangerous symptoms of sleep apnea. You need to get a home sleep test to put a stop to this symptom.

3. Feeling Tired during the Day

If you feel tired during the day, regardless of the number of hours you slept, you are likely gasping in your sleep. It is normal to feel tired in the morning on some days but if it is a reoccurring issue, you may have sleep apnea. Get yourself properly evaluated by opting for a home sleep study to receive a proper diagnosis.

4. Unable to Sleep

If you cannot sleep at night, you may have insomnia. Insomnia causes you to lie awake at night. If you are unable to sleep and you are experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as gasping for air and snoring, that is a very dangerous combination. Your sleep apnea is making your insomnia worse, so visit your doctor to share your concerns.

5. Going through Mood Changes

Since you cannot sleep at night, you will feel cranky throughout the day, only to face this problem again the next day. Untreated sleep apnea can result in severe mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. If you experience sudden mood swings, consult with your doctor about getting a sleep apnea test.

6. Experiencing Headaches in the Morning

Waking up with a headache each morning is a symptom of sleep apnea. The recurrent pauses in breathing at night can cause the oxygen levels in your brain to remain low, which results in headaches. You need to get a home sleep test to confirm if you have sleep apnea.

If you have one or more of these symptoms of sleep apnea, contact us for a sleep apnea test. We will send you the device to perform the test at your home. Contact us for more information.