| Snoring is often considered a comical problem but a | | | | breathing for a period of 10 seconds or longer. You |
| serious snoring problem can be a sign of a more | | | | may not realize this is happening yourself, either - it is |
| serious condition. A snoring problem can worsen and | | | | often noticed first by your partner. |
| become a case of sleep apnea which is a serious | | | | Do you wake up in the morning with a headache or |
| condition that has a number of bad effects on one's | | | | sore throat? This is another symptom of sleep apnea |
| health. | | | | - headaches can be caused by a lack of oxygen due |
| Anyone who snores regularly should check with their | | | | to the stoppages in breathing in the night and a sore |
| doctor to find out if it is a symptom of sleep apnea. | | | | throat is often caused by serious snoring. |
| Apnea is treatable, but if it's left unchecked it can | | | | If these symptoms sound familiar, you should check |
| cause serious health problems. | | | | with your doctor to get their professional advice. If |
| If you think you might be suffering from sleep apnea, | | | | they determine that sleep apnea is in fact a possibility, |
| there are several questions you should ask. Do you | | | | they will usually send you for a polysomnography test. |
| snore regularly? If so, you are more likely dealing with | | | | This is an overnight sleep study where your sleep |
| sleep apnea than if you only snore occasionally. | | | | patterns are monitored so a complete diagnosis can |
| Does your snoring wake your partner at night? If so, | | | | be made. Things such as your heart rate, eye |
| it's a sign that the snoring is quite loud which again can | | | | movements and breathing patterns will be monitored |
| be a symptom of sleep apnea. | | | | for irregularities. |
| Do you wake up choking and gasping for air in the | | | | Sleep apnea can lead to more serious problems such |
| middle of the night? This is one of the main indicators | | | | as an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, so |
| of sleep apnea, because apnea is caused by a | | | | it's important that it is diagnosed as early as possible. |
| blockage of airflow to the extent that you stop | | | | |