Snoring is often perceived as a bothersome but harmless phenomenon during sleep. However, experts in the field of sleep medicine warn that in certain cases it may be a sign of a more significant medical problem – primarily obstructive sleep apnea.
This is a sleep disorder in which the airways collapse repeatedly during the night, causing short breathing interruptions that recur. Many of those suffering from the phenomenon remain undiagnosed for years, as the symptoms are sometimes confused with everyday fatigue or routine workload. Sleep expert Aaron M. Forman notes that snoring alone is not necessarily a medical problem, but when it appears alongside additional symptoms – it may be a warning sign that requires medical examination.
Loud and Persistent SnoringNot every snore indicates a problem. Mild and occasional snoring after a tiring day is generally not considered dangerous. However, loud snoring that appears on most nights of the week and disturbs partners may indicate strain on the airways during sleep.
Choking and Gasping Sounds at NightWhen the airways close completely, the body responds with a sudden attempt to resume breathing. This may be expressed in choking sounds, gasping or sudden snoring. Often a partner is the first to notice this, while the person suffering from the phenomenon does not remember the events at all.
Morning HeadachesWaking up with a headache that disappears after an hour or two may indicate a decrease in oxygen levels during the night. Breathing interruptions cause a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood, which may lead to the dilation of blood vessels in the brain and mild morning headaches.
Chronic Fatigue During the DayFatigue after a short night is a natural phenomenon, but a persistent feeling of exhaustion despite several hours of sufficient sleep may indicate a problem. Sleep apnea prevents the body from reaching the deep and restorative stages of sleep, and therefore those who suffer from it wake up feeling as if they barely slept.
Mood ChangesOngoing lack of sleep also affects mental state. People suffering from sleep apnea may experience irritability, mood swings and difficulty controlling their emotions. In some cases, the phenomenon has also been linked to anxiety and depression.
Difficulty Concentrating and Mental FogPoor quality sleep impairs the brain’s ability to process information and strengthen memories. Therefore, people suffering from this disorder may experience difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and a feeling of “mental fog” during the day.
High Blood PressureOne of the less familiar signs is an increase in blood pressure. Each time breathing stops during sleep, the body releases stress hormones that raise blood pressure. Over time, this may lead to chronic blood pressure and sometimes one that is difficult to control with medication.
Additional Health RisksStudies have found that untreated sleep apnea may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and various metabolic disorders. The reason is that the breathing interruptions and the decrease in oxygen levels place a continuous burden on the cardiovascular system.
According to Forman, despite the risks, this is a disorder that can be treated in many cases – provided it is diagnosed in time. Therefore, experts recommend seeking medical examination when snoring is accompanied by additional symptoms or impairs quality of life.
Source:
www.jpost.com
