Sleep apnea is a common sleep-related disorder that affects many children and even adults. This disorder will cause you to stop and start breathing through the night. It is your brain's attempt to protect you by waking you up to breathe. However, this prevents proper rest, which can cause complications such as heart problems.
Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea
There are many symptoms of sleep apnea. Some symptoms may be easy to detect compared to others, and these include:
Snoring
One of the most common symptoms is snoring. However, it is important to note that snoring does not occur in all cases of sleep apnea. This means that it is also possible to have sleep apnea and not snore.
Tiredness Early in The Morning
It is not uncommon for people suffering from sleep apnea to wake up tired in the morning, even after a full night of sleep. As stated earlier, the disorder causes you to wake up throughout the night to breathe, thus resulting in fatigue.
Sleepiness Throughout The Day
Since sleep apnea affects your sleeping pattern, you may also experience severe drowsiness throughout the day. This drowsiness can be alarming because, in severe cases, it may cause you to feel drowsy when driving or when working.
Alters Brain Functions
The lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea can disrupt the way your brain functions. This can cause memory loss. Sleep apnea can also cause trouble concentrating in class or even at work. In other severe cases, studies show it can alter the shape of the brain.
Mood Changes
People who suffer from sleep apnea are prone to mood changes that sometimes result in depression or even anxiety. Sleep apnea increases the chances of experiencing mental health problems, as stated in a 2017 study by the National Library of Medicine.
Sleep apnea can affect your life by altering brain function or causing mental health issues. Therefore, if you suspect that you or a loved one may suffer from sleep apnea, it is best to consult with a medical professional.