Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   symptoms sleep apnea : what are the symptoms sleep apnea has ?
   i am a woman of 32 years. i am happily married. since some days, my husband says that he thinks i am suffering from sleep apnea. By the way, what exactly are the symptons sleep apnea has ? even some of my friends feel that i have sleep apnea. i too feel the same. can anyboy tell me what are the symptoms sleep apnea has..

   • ANSWER:
     yes it can be very serious problem. you should take it seriously as your husband said you. well there are some symptoms and signs of sleep apnea like Morning headaches, Memory or learning problems and lack of concentrate, Feeling irritable, depressed or disbtrub, personality changes and most importantly Urination at night. you may get some guidance from versed resource. i should advise you look over the site sleepdisorder to sort out the symptoms sleep apnea. i believe it will help you a lot. you can get it from the source below.

2. QUESTION:
   Why does sleep deprivation make the symptoms of sleep apnea worse?
   I recently did a sleep study and found that I have obstructive sleep apnea and it causes me to wake up during the night - often many times. I go through cycles where the problem gets much worse, one night of poor sleep leads to another worse night of interupted sleep, and so on - sometimes for a month or even more. I have heard that sleep deprivation makes the symptoms of sleep apnea much worse, and as I am searching for the right treatments, I was just interested in finding out why - what is the mechanism that causes this? Very strenuous exercise during the day or early evening can have the same effect. Thank you for any insights.

   • ANSWER:
     Actually, sleep apnea is a condition where you actually stop breathing during sleep. For most people, this causes them to wake up quickly; for others, it's a life-threatening situation (especially for babies and small children). I imagine if you're not getting much rest, when you do finally get to sleep your body is so tired it's hard for your body to wake up when you stop breathing. Also, even though your body eventually trains itself to sleep lightly in order potentially avoid apnea, when YOU finally get some sleep your body falls into a deeper sleep. This makes it harder for your body to avoid apnea. I would advise you to get plenty of rest whenever possible. I believe you should obtain a sleep apnea monitor from your physician. This will sound an alarm to wake you up when you stop breathing, or if your oxygen saturation level drops below a certain percentage. This may alleviate some of your anxiety and help you sleep better at night. Just a thought. Good luck.

3. QUESTION:
   What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
   What does it mean to have sleep apnea? My dad has this and sleeps w/ a breathing machine.

   • ANSWER:
     Common sleep apnea symptoms include:

     Waking up with a very sore and/or dry throat
     Loud snoring
     Occasionally waking up with a choking or gasping sensation
     Sleepiness or lack of energy during the day
     Sleepiness while driving
     Morning headaches
     Restless sleep
     Forgetfulness, mood changes, and a decreased interest in sex
     Recurrent awakenings or insomnia

     Treatment: Your dad uses a breathing machine because the positive pressure from air flowing into the nostrils helps keep the airways open so that breathing is not impaired.

4. QUESTION:
   Can allergies make you tired even after eight hours of sleep? What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? ?
   I am not sure what is the cause of my constant fatigue.

   • ANSWER:
     The biggest symptom of Sleep Apnea is fatigue. If you sleep with a partner, has that person even noticed you not breathing. My wife noticed me stop breathing and that was when I had a sleep study and got diagnosed. I'm now on CPAP treatment and feel 1000% better.

5. QUESTION:
   Sleep Apnea Symptoms without having Sleep Apnea?
   In a nutshell, I have all the symptoms of Sleep Apnea: Daytime fatigue, memory issues, snoring, poor concentration, etc. but I just had a sleep study done and I don't have sleep apnea. Can anyone offer an explanation since my GP wants to start me on anti-depressants without exploring other options, and I cannot get a second opinion since I have to wait another 2 months for a different doctor. Long live Canadian health care......
   I'm 19 and a guy if that helps.

   • ANSWER:

6. QUESTION:
   What are the initial symptoms of Sleep Apnea? Can sleep apnea occur in individuals that are not overweight?

   • ANSWER:
     Others hear you snore. When awake, you can be cranky, tired, and you have a desire to eat as the body needs the oxygen from the food. And yes, usually the person is overweight, yet not all are. I go to a sleep disorder clinic and there are all sizes, shapes, and ages who suffer from the condition. If you are concerned, you might think of getting tested.

     If you experience sleep apnea to the extreme, you wake up gasping for breath; it's horrible. I have sleep apnea, and use a CPAP. I am not overweight, yet I just stop breathing. I had the CPAP in my closet for over a year, then finally caved in and used it. It is a life saver. Technology can be a blessing.

7. QUESTION:
   sleep apnea symptoms? or depression?
   Well I've had unrefreshing sleep for about idk 2 years, luckily it hasn't deteriorated my school grades too much. I've also been diagnosed with major depression but I'm thinking is it depression that is affecting my sleep or could it be something else? It always feels as though I never actually go into deep sleep.
   basically what are the symptoms of sleep apnea? and you reckon i should check whether i have it just to be completely sure because my antidepressants have done nothing for my sleep.

   • ANSWER:
     Sleep apnea can have several causes. The most common is obesity, leading to the neck and throat tissues to narrow the airway while sleeping.

     Symptoms include loud snoring, pauses in breathing while asleep followed by an abrupt "snort" or gasp. These would be observed by someone other than you. A person with sleep apnea actually wakes up to start breathing, though they are not conscious of it. They cannot get to the deep levels of restorative sleep. Daytime symptoms include "Pickwickian" spells, or falling asleep while doing normal activities. (like talking, driving, and other things where people don't normally fall asleep)

     So, have a family member or your bed partner watch you sleep to see how many times per night you stop breathing. For sleep apnea it is often 15-100 x per night.

     However, depression is a leading cause of poor sleep, and this is most likely what you have. Some antidepressants actually hinder sleep, so ask your doctor. You may also need a sleep aid for 4-6 weeks to "retrain" your body to get deep sleep.

     Other things that can lead to poor sleep: poor sleep hygeine (not going to bed a the same time each night, exercise before bed, and many more), chronic caffeine use, other medications, restless leg syndrome.

     Talk with your doctor. If it looks, walks, and quacks like a duck, then it's a duck. I'd bet that your depression is the cause of your sleep problem.

     Best of luck

8. QUESTION:
   What are some symptoms of sleep apnea?

   • ANSWER:
     You need to have someone to observe you sleeping,else you won't know what to report to the MD. You will notice feeling more tired do to the lack of uninterrupted sleep,sore dry throat,due to mouth breathing and snoring,caused by the tissues in the back of your throat collapsing and obstructing your airway.There are 2 types of sleep apnea syndromes.",Obstructive" caused by a blockage in the throat or upper airway."Central sleep apnea" is caused by a dysfunction in part of the brain that controls breathing,allows low levels of oxygen or high levels of carbon dioxide to build up in the blood,allowing the reduced sensitivity to cause the disruption of normal breathing patterns.The only way to find out for sure is to your MD to perform a "sleep study" in a sleep lab with a qualified specialist . Take care. SW RNP.

9. QUESTION:
   What are the symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

   • ANSWER:
     Sleep apnea occurs when airflow to the lungs is briefly blocked. Snorting and gasping are the telltale signs. Obesity, back sleeping and hypothyroidism are some common factors.

10. QUESTION:
    Are these potential symptoms of sleep apnea
    Peeing 1 or more times a night
    Itchy privates, only at night
    Excessive tiredness during the day
    Waking up several times a night gasping for air
    Night sweats
    Depression
    Weight gain
    I've been screened for diabetes.. I'm fine.
    I am seeing a sleep specialist in August.
    I am seeing a sleep specialist in August.

    • ANSWER:
      Excessive tiredness during the day and Waking up several times a night gasping for air are two key symptoms. you need to speak with your physician and be set up for a sleep study. that is the only true way to diagnose sleep apnea. this is not something to wait around with either.

      hope this helps.

11. QUESTION:
    Is a swollen floor of the mouth a symptom in sleep apnea?
    at first my floor of my mouth was swollen and still is and now also my tongue and throat are swollen. My speech is impeded and the outside of my neck under the chin area looks swollen and now I have sleep apnea symptoms too and will be going to a sleep clinic.

    • ANSWER:
      One of the most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. But this is not so dangerous...When your breathing stops during sleep, then you have a typical sleep apnea symptom.

      Anyway, congratulations for you sleep test!

12. QUESTION:
    What other problems could be mistaken for sleep apnea?
    I have many symptoms of sleep apnea but my sleep study shows that it is not an issue. I am tired all the time, no energy or motivation. Depression and anxiety are a major problem. I wake up many times a night feeling like I cannot catch my breath, like my chest is very heavy and not getting enough air/oxygen. What other conditions could cause these symptoms?

    • ANSWER:
      Did they check your limb movements while you were in for the sleep study? Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome & Restless Leg Movement Syndrome can both create excessive daytime sleepiness, as can Idiopathic Hypersomnia.

      Depression and thyroid problems should also be ruled out. Sleep issues can affect mood and depression issues can affect sleep. It's often difficult to tease the two apart.

      Because of the breathing problem, allergies and asthma should also be looked at as the potential cause.

13. QUESTION:
    Do I have symptoms of sleep apnea?
    I GO TO SLEEP NORMALLY BUT I WAKE UP EVERYNIGHT NOT BEING ABLE TO BREATH, AS IF THERE IS PRESSURE CLOSING ME UP. THE ONLY WAY I AM ABLE TO BREATH OK AT NIGHT TO GET SLEEP IS BY PUTTING MY FINGER IN MY MOUTH AND FALLING ASLEEP WITH MY MOUTH OPEN(FINGER BEING A PRYBAR ALMOST) CAN NOT BREATH THROUGH MY NOSE AT ALL AND I AM NOT STUFFY OR DO NOT HAVE SINUS PROBLEMS THAT I KNOW OF. SOMETIMES I WAKE UP AND I FEEL LIKE I HAVE BITTEN MY FINGER OFF. I KNOW THIS SOUNDS VERY STRANGE , BUT I HAVE NO INSUR. TO GO TO DR. SO I GUESS I JUST NEED TO KNOW WHETHER OR NOT SOMEONE OUT THERE KNOWS IF I AM OK OR DO I NEED TO FIND A WAY TO GO TO DR. THANKS

    • ANSWER:
      Well i work for a company who specializes in people who have Sleep Apnea. Some of the symptoms are not being able to breath at night. All of our patient state that they stop breathing. They experience Daytime Sleepiness. Feel tired and sleepy all the time. Patient with Sleep Apnea experience difficult concentrating,overweight,heavy snoring,gasping for air. Also waking up tired. Some even fall asleep while they are driving. You should really see a Dr for this. This is very serious you need to take care of it. Their is a machine that helps you it is called a Cpap machine. Your Dr should help you with having them do a payment plan. He will probably send you to do a Sleep Study test. They do two studies, one called a Cpap titration and a polysomnography. The first night they will put you on a Cpap machine and then the next night you will be off of it. That way they can determine how bad your Sleep Apnea is.

14. QUESTION:
    if one's cpap (for sleep apnea) setting is too high, what symptoms will they notice?
    don't just say go to the doctor as he was wrong and I wore cpap for 3 years and they later found after years of my insisting the results from the sleep study were not right (as I only slept a half hour due to them testing me when I normally was awake (I havedelayed sleep phase syndrome and am up in daytime) and finally convincing them to repeat it when I normally slept) they found that for three years I was getting almost NO rem sleep or stage three or four restorative sleep and the setting was way too low and although I looked like I was sleeping had essentially no benefits from sleep and still had all symptoms of sleep apnea..so I don't trust them..even after they upped setting-- still no benefits I can detect except no morning headaches

    Now I have a new machine that can be set higher and want to know HOW can I tell if it is TOO high. The tecnicians said I'd have chest pains and not be able to sleep or fall asleep..anything else or more details on this is what I m seeking.Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      At higher than optimal pressures, many things can occur. Such as, headaches, pain in the throat or sinuses, pain in the chest and lungs, aerophagia, bleeding ears, bleeding nose, and the irritation that comes from difficulty in exhaling comfortably.

      At lower than optimal pressures you may experience daytime sleepiness, wake up feeling unrefreshed, snoring, untreated apnea.
      hope you soon feel better!

15. QUESTION:
    what are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea is the medical term for snoring. If you are the one who is experiencing this, have someone check you when you are asleep. This usually happens to fat/obese persons but also happens ( in cases like stress and fatigue ) to normal beings.It is having a hard time breathing. Hope this helps. God bless! ;0

16. QUESTION:
    Is exercising advisable when you have sleep apnea?
    I have symptoms of sleep apnea like feeling very sleepy throughout the day, frequent urination, waking up suddenly at night (though i do not feel short of breath at such times. but i do feel that way couple of times a day). I am a smoker and drinker, although i am cutting down on both and trying to quit (no, thats not supposed to sound like m doing a great job) i want to lose some weight as well, and am thinking of rejoining the gym. would it be advisable?

    • ANSWER:
      Absolutely. Exercise will definitely help. I'd like to point out 2 things. 1) sleep apnoea is associated with a higher incidence of heart disease, 2) it's commoner in sedentary people.
      apparently you are overweight also, and coupled with your smoking that's three risk factors going against you. Suggest you consult your health provider and get your blood sugar and blood pressure checked.

17. QUESTION:
    Has anyone developed sleep apnea or symptoms of sleep apnea after a deployment?
    Has anyone who's served in OIF/OEF been diagnosed with sleep apnea since their return from deployment? My husband has been home a little over a year now and since his return I have not had a good nights sleep. He tosses and turns, kicks and sometimes punches all while in a deep sleep. I tell him about it the next morning and he remembers nothing. He sought help from the VA who diagnosed him with sleep apnea. He was given a C-Pap machine which does absolutely no good for the tossing and turning. Now his (National Guard) unit is getting ready to deploy again and he found out that several other soldiers were also diagnosed with sleep apnea since the last deployment.(all of them are flagged for the moment) Does this sound familiar to anyone? I would love to hear from any wives that might be dealing with this same type of situation. I refuse to sleep on the couch or in another bed. I waited a long time to be able to sleep next to him and I will not give that up. The lack of sleep I have had this past year is taking a big toll on my body and I'm not sure what to do at this point. Any ones advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank all!

    • ANSWER:
      The whole Sleep Apnea thing is a con, as far as I'm concerned.

      I went in for a sleep study, and the first thing the Doc said during the initial examination was "You need to have your tonsils taken out." I did the sleep study, and of course, I need a CPAP machine. No mention was made of taking my tonsils out, which seemed to me to be a more permanent and practical choice instead of being hooked-up to a CPAP machine for the rest of my life.

      I gave up on it after a week.

      After a few years, I went to an EENT Doc, who told me the same thing the Doc at the sleep center told me, which is I need to get my tonsils taken out (actually, all of my soft pallet would be taken out). I'm making plans to do it right now.

      I'm no Doc, but it sounds like your hubby may suffer from something PTSD related, not sleep apnea.

18. QUESTION:
    symptoms of sleep apnea?
    i am having irregular heatbeat is this related to sleep apnea

    • ANSWER:

19. QUESTION:
    what are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Excessive daytime sleepiness,
      Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes
      Morning or night headaches
      Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night.
      Swelling of the legs if you are obese.
      Getting up during the night to urinate
      Sweating and chest pain while you are sleeping.
      Episodes of not breathing and Loud snoring

20. QUESTION:
    What do you think of my article on Sleep Apnea?
    Go here: http://noteworthynewscasts.blogspot.com/2006/07/what-is-sleep-apnea.html and read my article. Tell me what you think!

    Abstract:
    What is sleep apnea? It is a disease that affects a small number of the population (only about 4% of men & 2% of women), but the chances of developing this disorder gets progressively worse as one grows older and leaving the symptoms untreated could be fatal. Many who have sleep apnea do not even know they have this affliction. This report will educate the reader about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea, such as snoring and constant feelings of drowsiness. It will also review what one would expect when being tested for apnea, as well as popular and less-traditional treatment methods. It then discusses the long-term effects of not treating sleep apnea, which could include heart failure. By the time the reader has completed this report, they will have a full understanding of sleep apnea and how it affects one’s life.

    • ANSWER:
      It made me fall asleep

21. QUESTION:
    What are symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Periods of no respiration followed by a snort and resumation of respiration. The patient usuall complains of sleepiness and chronic fatigue, because the bouts cause poor sleep.Snoring is common, too.

22. QUESTION:
    Could these symptoms be sleep apnea?
    1.when i lay on my sides,after a couple of minutes i get dizzy and need air
    2. I get weird thoughts while laying on my side gasping for air

    • ANSWER:

23. QUESTION:
    WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA?

    • ANSWER:
      You will almost never wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start your day.

      Also, if you have it for many years, it can lead to heart problems, such as arrhythmia and palpitations. Many sufferers suffer from panic attacks as well. Go get a sleep study done to see what's causing it. Could be a deviated septum, or it could be the 'closing of the throat' during your sleep.

24. QUESTION:
    Can I get Sleep Apnea if I'm not overweight. But I eat mostly Junk Food & little healthy food?
    I have some symptoms of Sleep Apnea. I'm always tired. I wake up in the middle of the night feeling like I couldn't catch my breath.

    • ANSWER:
      you can do sleep studys but that costs money but i can tell you an easy way to find out. its caused by obstructed breathing when you are sleeping. so lay down like you do when sleeping an relax like you would when you sleep. if you find youre breathing is obstructed when you relax then you got it. you dont have to be really overweight to get it but it can be associated with neck fat. my sister an i both have it. she uses a machine but i just sleep on my stomach and im okay. i do find that losing as little as a few pounds can make a difference for me. i have also found that diet makes a difference to. dont eat withing a few hours of sleeping an dont eat something sugary late night. if you do your blood sugar will spike an it will wake you.

25. QUESTION:
    What could these symptoms be from? Are these symptoms of sleep apnea?
    For about a year now I have had problems when trying to go to sleep. I am perhaps wrong, but I do not believe it has anything to do with insomnia. Before these problems started to occur, I had literally no problems falling asleep or staying asleep whatsoever. Like I said, this all began about a year ago. First it started with me waking up moments after falling into a light sleep. I would wake up almost short of breath. Well, that is really only the best words I have to describe the sensation that I would feel. I have had no issues breathing, or issues of rugged breathing, so I honestly don't believe I was actually short of breath. That is just how it felt. Almost as if I had taken my last breath, but then forgot to stop breathing. This went on for a while, not on a nightly basis, but I would say probably 5-6 times a month, maybe a little more or less. Lately the symptoms have worsened. Now it happens on an almost nightly occurence. When it happens it feels as if I have literally shut down. I honestly do not have the words to describe this other than saying that it is not painful, but particularly unpleasant. Anyways, I'm going to attempt to describe the rest of the symptoms to the best of my ability. Some of the symptoms I describe may not be how this actually feels, but nothing but the way I can describe them. When this happens it feels almost as if my stomach knots up, and my throat momentarily closes off. I'm not completely sure, but I do believe that I gasp. I know for certain that I have gasped on a few occasions. My body seems to tighten up. It feels almost as if something surges up from the tips of my fingers, up my arms, and down my chest to the stomach area. It literally feels as if I have almost died, or atleast the way I imagine it would feel to die. These symptoms do not seem to be present when I am sitting or standing, but only when I am laying down actually trying to go to sleep. I don't have the money to go to a doctor right now, and I really need to know if this is something serious before I do drop some cash on a visit to a physician. It seems serious to me, but I don't know. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Not sleep apnea 4 sure! C a gp.

26. QUESTION:
    Where can I found mouth/tongue exercises for sleep apnea?
    A recent study (Am J Respir Crit Care Med Vol 179. pp 962–966, 2009) found that oropharyngeal exercises can help reduce symptoms of sleep apnea in moderate cases. Similar exercises are used in speech therapy. Where can I find clear information/instructions on these exercises?

    • ANSWER:
      Pharyngeal exercises will do no good for central sleep apnea, and will help only in cases of pharyngeal collapse as a cause of obstructive sleep apnea.
      Exercises consist of posterior consonant production (k, g). I like to use the repetition of "hawk, hawk, hawk" with very strong emphasis on the /k/, and "gah, gah, gah" with very strong emphasis on the /g/. Both will strengthen the lateral pharyngeal wall muscles and the muscles which control the base of the tongue, but it takes a lot of repetition, just like lifting weights does for large muscle strengthening.
      Do 10 repetitions of each every hour you are awake. Theoretically, you'd do about 220 reps daily (10x16).

27. QUESTION:
    Are these symptoms of sleep apnea?
    Day time sleepiness/exhaustion
    Short of breath upon awakening (for about 10-15 minutes)
    Tossing and turning at night
    Loud snoring
    Nausea/vomiting in morning/afternoon
    Frequent waking at night

    • ANSWER:
      Its possible that this is being caused by sleep apnea but it could also be an array of other possibilities, many of the symptoms you have described are caused by each other, frequent waking at night can be caused by loud snoring, which causes your exhaustion during the day.

      Also the tossing and turning is natural, especially if you have things on your mind.

      I would, before going to look for a diagnosis such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea look at ways to cure your sleep problem, because there aren't any really effective treatments of OSA, maybe there are teas or aromatherapy oils which can help you sleep, or some people find listening to pan pipe music or whale song can also help

      If none of this can help you get a good night sleep you need to see your GP for a blood test and then referral to a sleep clinic

28. QUESTION:
    i have most of the symptoms for sleep apnea in adults. but almost none of the ones for children. im 13.?

    14 on march the second if that helps..?

    • ANSWER:
      As I understand, deep-sleep apnea is typically associated with obesity and becomes acute during early or late middle age. Onset may be earlier, if the patient had gained too much weight too early.

      What really happens is that brain of a complex organism needs rest. Its part that control and regulate vital functions never take a rest. Relatively less important functions are suspended for a while. One of these functions is muscle control. That's why muscles go limp during deep sleep, including epiglottis that, when active, regulates what should go to the alimentary canal and what is meant to go into trachea.

      Muscles that have collected too much flab or overgrown get sucked into trachea, temporarily blocking passage of air to the lungs, thereby waking up the parts of brain to send distressed commands to the unruly muscles. People suffering from deep-sleep apnea risk death due to asphyxiation during sleep.

      At your age it is rather unheard of. By the way, you have not given your weight and BMI. Mild snoring may be normal or maybe precurssor of deep-sleep apnea

      Please consult a good physicion.

29. QUESTION:
    Can you have insomia and sleep apnea?
    Or is insomia a symptom of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      These two sleep disorders are different and can occur at the same time. Basically insomnia is when a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or wakes up too early. It can be primary insomnia where a person is having sleep problems without any other associated health condition or problem. In secondary insomnia a person is having sleep problems because of something else. A person with insomnia may feel tired in the mornings.

      Sleep Apnea is when a person stops breathing durring sleep. This most often happens when you relax and the pallet in the back of your throat falls and blocks the airway. It can also occur as a result of brains failure to signal the muscles to breathe. Sleep Apnea wakes the sufferer durring the night, even if they dont remember it. This can occur a few times per night to more than 100 times in a single hour. People who are over weight are the most common victems of Sleep Apnea. It can leave you feeling tired in the morning even after a full nights "sleep".

      I know some about this because I suffer from both. My insomnia is caused because I am bipolar. My mind races and I have depression that makes going to sleep a long process and wakes me often in the night. Thank God for antidepressants and mood stabilizers. My Sleep Apnea is due to a weight problem, I am bordering on obese but loosing weight.

      Check the liks below to learn more on each condition.

      Hope I helped,
      Terry

30. QUESTION:
    Can I have sleep apnea with these symptoms?
    I've been reading up on this condition, however, I am still not sure if that may be my problem. I do not want to go to the doctor for no reason. I was hoping that someone with this condition can help me find out if I do need to go see a doctor.

    My symptoms are sleepiness during the day. Some days I am so sleepy that I am irritable and just not fun to be around. I am usually tired like I had no sleep the night before or as if I had been doing a lot of work, which is usually not the case. I cannot remember a night when I got less that 8 hours of sleep. I usually get 8 to 10 hours every night. Mostly 9 or 10. However, when I get up, I am dizzy and tired and I definitely do not feel well rested. I think twice before getting out of bed because I still feel tired. When I do get up I do not usually feel sleepy then, only tired. It is during the course of the day that i become sleepy. Sometimes very sleepy that I have to get up and do something or I will fall asleep. I am always tired.
    I forgot to add that I do not snore, at least I don't think, but I really don't think so.

    • ANSWER:
      Having worked my part-time job at the local hardware store, I came home to have lunch with my wife. After lunch I went into the living room to read the Sunday paper, and my next recollection is that about a dozen people (including the police, EMTs, paramedics, my fire chief and the deputy chief) were milling around trying to get some response from me.

      I was rushed to the hospital with an initial diagnosis of syncope. Myriad tests were ordered (an electrocardiogram, an electroencephalogram, a CAT scan, x-rays, blood work, and a carotid doppler, among others), but there was no conclusion as to the cause of my blackout. The EEG tech suggested that I might have a sleep disorder, and I mentioned this to several of my doctors. They did not respond at all to this idea.

      After my release I had an MRI, 24-hour EEG, a cardiac stress test and more blood work. All results were normal. I requested a sleep study to be performed at the local sleep disorder center. The diagnosis was that I have severe sleep apnea.

      "Could this have caused my blackout?" I wondered. The experts' answer continued to be, "We don't know, but possibly." The sleep center prescribed a BiPAP (Bi-level Positive Air Pressure) machine to correct the sleep apnea. A titration study (a test to find the necessary pressure for the BiPAP machine to work most effectively) was performed in January. It indicated that I needed to control thirty-seven apnea events per hour, and so required a BiPAP pressure of 14cm/10cm. I was told by the sleep center techs that I would experience an adjustment period and considerable frustration in getting used to the whole process.

      I picked my new machine up from the Durable Medical Supply Company. They provided a very rapid introduction to the mask, which I would be wearing while asleep, and to the control switch on the machine. The really hard stuff came later. There lay many difficult nights ahead when I would be ready to throw the darn BiPAP out of the window but, because of the support I received from my friends and family, I persevered. I also called the American Sleep Apnea Association, and they were very helpful and encouraging - they reminded me that using the machine is an acquired skill. They were very, very right!

      Late January 2004 brought another event where I woke up to find EMTs and paramedics in my bedroom. This time was different because my wife witnessed the episode and could describe what happened to the doctor. The only obvious similarity was that I bit my tongue both times. This time at the hospital I was diagnosed as having epilepsy and given Dilantin with instructions to follow up with my neurologist. When I left the emergency room I felt depressed, angry and very frustrated. I had a lot of questions chasing themselves through my mind. Why was I having these events? Could my problem really be epilepsy? Would I be able to drive? Could I still be involved with my fire department? Determined to find the answer, I made an appointment at a world-renowned teaching hospital to see the head of the epilepsy center.

      While waiting for that, I saw my ophthalmologist. She told me that my eyes showed no evidence of seizures or of any of the changes often seen with epilepsy. I also went to see a dietitian to help me improve my energy level, lose weight, and get advice about what foods could help counteract the negative effects of the anti-seizure drugs. When I kept my appointment at the teaching hospital, I had another EEG and complete neurological exam. Although all my tests came back negative, the diagnosis continued to be that I "probably" had epilepsy. I told them about my sleep apnea and asked whether it could possibly cause a seizure. The doctor's response was, "I don't know, but I doubt it."

      Leaving the hospital, I felt very discouraged. In mid-March, I had my third seizure during sleep. Later that night I joined the epilepsy support group at our local hospital, where I collected a great deal of helpful information. After that, however, I still questioned the diagnosis of epilepsy. My experiences had been totally different from those I'd heard described. One of the group members recommended yet another neurologist, but this one sounded more promising. So I made an appointment, brought all my test results with me, had yet another thorough neurological exam, and was finally diagnosed as having hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) caused by severe sleep apnea.

      In this doctor's opinion, the lack of oxygen to my brain had caused the seizures, probably in combination with a great deal of stress in my life and many years of being sleep-deprived. She changed my anti-seizure medication and communicated very clearly that I would need to use my BiPAP machine for the rest of my life. Now that my hunch that sleep apnea was the cause of my seizures had been confirmed, I felt very relieved but also very puzzled.

      Why is so little known in conventional medicine about the role of sleep? If sleep occupies one-third of our lives, why do doctors pay so little attention to it when making a diagnosis as devastating (and heavily medicated) as epilepsy? I have now joined a sleep apnea support group and learned a great deal about the disorder. My weight loss has required several mask adjustments and re-calibration of the BiPAP machine along the way.

      The great news is that all my friends and family have noticed that I am much more energetic, more alert, and that I no longer nap through social events. June arrived, and still another MRI showed no evidence of illness. I'd begun by taking sleep aids to help adjust to the BiPAP machine, but I really do not want to take more medication, so I've started working with a clinical hypnotherapist to help me fall asleep naturally. Although I am not convinced that I need the anti-seizure medication, I will continue to use it for the foreseeable future.

      I have learned many lessons from my "magical mystery medical tour". The first is that you must be proactive when a diagnosis is presented to you. Do your research, talk to other people, and learn everything you can about your diagnosis before you accept it. Never be afraid to ask your doctors or healthcare professionals about alternative diagnoses or ideas. There was very little support for my idea that sleep apnea could be related or even the cause of my seizures, but I had to hang in there long enough to find someone to acknowledge the vital role that sleep plays in health -- and in illness.

31. QUESTION:
    how do i know if i have sleep apnea ?
    sometimes i feel like i stop breathing for ONE SEC when sleeping on my back . but i have no other symptoms of sleep apnea or any other sleep disorder ! whats the explanation ?

    • ANSWER:

32. QUESTION:
    I may have sleep apnea - don't want to wear a CPAP mask?
    I have all the symptoms of sleep apnea - falling asleep while driving (briefly), at work, etc. Some people have even said I stop breathing in my sleep during vacations, etc. I AM about 50 lbs overweight, will losing weight definitely help, or should I still undergo a sleep study?

    • ANSWER:

33. QUESTION:
    Is a symptom of sleep apnea itching... down there at night?
    I get up a lot to pee at night. I wake up gasping for air. I snore until I wake up gasping for air. I'm exhausted daily.... but I also seem to get itchy down there every night too.. is that a sleep apnea symptom???

    • ANSWER:
      as embarrassing as it is to admit,.....yup!

      you need to get a sleep study done, get a CPAP machine that will help you with the apnea at night. you'll be well rested-have energybonanza, be alert all day, not have to get up a gajillion times each night running to the rest room pee, and the itchies go away!!!

      also, once you have a CPAP machine, you get a discount on your electric bill anywhere in the u.s.

      p.s. most health insurances cover this but you may have to get a referral from your normal doctor first

34. QUESTION:
    Do I have sleep apnea based on these symptoms?
    Sometimes I will wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air. Other times I will be lying in bed and have trouble breathing through my nose which will create pressure in my head. Also sometimes a part of my body will twitch usually my legs, The only thing that helps is if i sit up or stand up but when I lay down these symptoms will occur.
    I am 6 ft. 135 lbs. If anything I am underweight.

    • ANSWER:
      It's possible. Any kind of respiratory distress definitely something to check out with your doctor. They can order a sleep study. People can die from sleep apnea. But if dxed, a CPAP or BIPAP will fix you right up.
      Some symptoms for sleep apnea:
      Daytime sleepiness
      snoring more than 3 nights per week
      snoring loudly
      witnessed periods of no breath sounds or breathing
      male neck size over 18, female neck size over 16
      obesity
      high blood pressure

      Good luck and God bless

35. QUESTION:
    What are the symptoms of severe sleep apnea?
    I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea recently; I was told that my oxygen level drops to around 67% while I'm sleeping. Then was told how dangerous it was and told I needed to start using the C-PAP machine. Right now, I'm in waiting mode for the machine. In the meantime, my feet keep falling asleep and my fingers have gone numb. Some days are worse than others.... And sometimes my fingers really hurt. This is probably from the lack of oxygen, I'm sure. I'm also having the heart palpitations.....and other symptoms. Waiting on the red tape is getting on my last nerve. Especially after being told that it was urgent that I get on the machine right away.
    Is anyone else going through this? It's so hard to take care of things ---including and especially the medical stuff----when I'm so tired and sleepy all of the time. I just want to sleep!!
    BTW, it's been 2 weeks today, since I saw the Dr and she told me how URGENT things were. I am STILL WAITING. Sometimes I wonder if I shouldn't go to the hospital ER.
    Well, I contacted the folks that do the sleep studies and they've scheduled me for a second sleep study....for this coming Sunday. So, at least SOMETHING is happening. It's hard being sick all of the time and then having to act as your own advocate. I hope I get this oxygen machine soon.

    • ANSWER:
      don't know why you'd need a second study if the first one already revealed the apnea. Usually you don't get the machine from you're doctor. You get it from a medical supplier (DME). You're doctor (or your insurance company) should recommend one. It shouldn't take two weeks to set you up. They just show you how to use the machine (it's not complicated) and you take it home. Or you could just buy one yourself from someplace like cpap.com but the good one's aren't cheap.

36. QUESTION:
    If this is a symptom of Centralized sleep apnea, what underlying disease could it be?
    # If other symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, voice changes of body weakness or numbness, this may indicate an underlying disease that is affecting the nervous system.

    • ANSWER:
      try this site out: http://symptoms.webmd.com/symptomchecker you can chose and add the symptoms and it will give you several possibilities...

37. QUESTION:
    My father has sleep apnea, but no symptoms?
    My father has sleep apnea and I'm really worried what will happen if he doesn't get it checked. My mom already bugged him to get it checked but he again keeps denying to go to the doctors.

    He doesn't has serious symptoms, he doesn't sweat alot, have heart burn, high cholesterol or has trouble breathing, nor has gain weight. I try to always keep him on a bicycle but riding with him but I'm still worried in th future.

    Should I still strongly suggest him to see the doctors? He the age of 55.

    • ANSWER:
      Even people without all those other problems can have sleep apnea. I knew many people who were normal-weighted and had sleep apnea. The #1 symptom is tiredness during the day. a "checkup" consists of them watching him sleep for a night to see if he really does have sleep apnea. If he does, then they can give him a special mask to wear at night. If he does decide to take care of himself this way, he will experience a huge difference in how he feels during the day.

38. QUESTION:
    Question about sleep apnea, and plastic surgery?
    Has there ever been any medical studies on whether or not liposuction of the face and neck areas can improve sleep apnea symptoms? I keep hearing that airway obstruction can often be caused by excessive tissue around the airways, and is common in overweight people.

    So - what if someone had most of the excess fat removed from their neck and face through liposuction? Would that take some of the pressure off the airway and allow it to open up a little bit? Or is this just a pipe dream? (pardon the pun)

    • ANSWER:
      Just stay awake, it's easier, and sleep is way over-rated anyways. You can sleep when yer dead. I've heard of a converted "Red-neck", but never a converted "Fat-neck".

39. QUESTION:
    This Doctor told me I had severe Sleep Apnea, Because My neck is 20 inches, but He couldn't even test me unles?
    I marked 2 or more symptoms on the questionaire. That just doesn't make any sense, guidelines say you have to have 2 or more of the following symptoms:

    * Excessive daytime sleepiness.
    * Waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling tired, and experiencing personality changes.
    * Morning or night headaches. About half of all people with sleep apnea report headaches.2
    * Heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night.
    * Swelling of the legs.
    * Getting up during the night to urinate (nocturia).
    * Sweating and chest pain while you are sleeping.

    Symptoms of sleep apnea that others may notice include:

    * Episodes of not breathing (apnea), which may occur as few as 5 times an hour (mild apnea) to more than 50 times an hour (severe apnea). How many episodes you have determines how severe your sleep apnea is.
    * Loud snoring. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.
    * Restless tossing and turning during sleep.
    * Nighttime choking or gasping spells.

    I snore, so does a lot of people I know, not that loud tho. Well I gave in and said yes to a couple of more just so he could test me for sleep apnea. My wife who sleeps next to me every night told him that i didn't have any of these symptoms and she never notice me stop breathing or grasping at night. But the Doctor says I have severe sleep apnea just by examining my neck and throat. He says I stop breathing 40 times a night.

    Well the Question is - Can anyone tell me why this doctor think I have severe SLeep Apnea just because of my neck size, when i suffer from none of the symptoms in the questionnaire? He had me lie on my questionnaire so I could take the test.
    Kat - I have no symptoms - except I snore and I don't even snore loud.

    • ANSWER:
      A larger neck is often associated with sleep apnea. But to actually diagnose someone because of that and even guessing "severe apnea where you stop breathing 40 times a night/an hour" seems impossible. You need to take a real test where doctors examine you while you are sleeping to get a real diagnosis. You should definitely see another doctor, or at least get tested.

      What are your symptoms?

40. QUESTION:
    I think I might have sleep apnea?
    I wake up several times a night for no apparent reason why. This is the only symptom of sleep apnea I am suffering though. I went to see a doctor and my blood pressure is normal, I don't have any headaches though I do suffer from eye aches as weird as that sounds, no weight gain at all and according to my mom I do not snore, yet I cannot think of anything else to explain my frequent night time awakenings. Could I possibly have sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Hei, Eric

      Frequent awakenings during night time are not associated only with sleep apnea. A common cause can be Insomnia, when a person has difficulty falling asleep or maintaining his sleep. The complain of frequent awakening is very common in people with insomnia.

      A person with sleep apnea doesn't realize if he has a bad sleep, and he doesn't remember if he had frequent awakenings during the night. However, a person with insomia knows that.

      To clarify if you have sleep apnea, record your sleep audio or video, and see if you have the symptoms of sleep apnea.

41. QUESTION:
    Where can I find authoritative proof that chronic sinusitis can cause sleep apnea?
    I have chronic sinusitis caused by a deviated septum resulting from damaged to my head and face sustained in an Army helicopter crash. Shortly after the crash, I developed the sinus infection and while I had most, if not all, of the symptoms associated with sleep apnea, it was not diagnosed until much later. I have had one operation on my nose which did not solve the problem and I ABSOLUTELY will not have another. The Veterans Administration has denied service connection for my sleep apnea and I need some authoritative source to support the assertions found on dozens of ENT and Apnea sites, which cite chronic sinusitis as a cause ( one several possibilities) for sleep apnea. Thanks, Wavie

    • ANSWER:
      Sorry, but you already found that assertions on dozens of ENT and Apnea sites,as you affirmed, so, why are you stil asking for that??
      Besides I think that the most part of web pages can't be as authoritative as a clinic (signed) certificate.

42. QUESTION:
    If one has sleep apnea and get their bipap/cpap to the right setting, what changes will they notice.?
    I have been on one many years but he ordered setting 16 and the machine only went to 15..just got a new machine that goes to 20..company suggested I try 17 (as I was apparently still snoring even with cpap on) and go up in increments of 20 to see if it helps.

    I have all the symptoms of sleep apnea (depression, memory loss, lack of concentration, no energy, always tired) except for morning headaches despite using cpap (at the setting 15).

    I am wondering what effects will I immediately notice or notice with time if it is helping. He said his brother lost 60 pounds, is this because of more energy??

    Please answer if you have any answers as I am most anxious to know if I am better after about 15 years on cpap with little benefit. I just used lst night for the 1st time, but don't feel that different (although I did dream).

    thanks
    that last sentence should read anxious tio know if I will get better not if I am better

    • ANSWER:
      I would think if it is effective you would notice a reversal of the symtoms it causes.

      The most common symptoms of sleep apnea in adults are loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore, but not all people who snore have sleep apnea.

      Other signs and symptoms of OSA include: episodes of not breathing; Restless tossing and turning during sleep; nighttime choking spells, sweating, and chest pain; waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep, having problems with memory and concentration, feeling irritable and tired, and experiencing personality changes; morning headaches; heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night; in obese adults, swelling of the legs; getting up during the night to urinate; daytime naps or sleeping during inappropriate times or activities. People with Sleep Apnea may exhibit onset high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, depression and other health conditions.

      Untreated, sleep apnea can cause high blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease, memory problems, weight gain, impotency, and headaches. Moreover, untreated sleep apnea may be responsible for job impairment and motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, sleep apnea can be diagnosed and treated. Several treatment options exist, and research into additional options continues.

      For more help, try this link and hope the new machine helps. That's a long time to suffer. I have heard of people losing weight on bipap/cpap.

      http://www.apneasupport.org/about6416.html

43. QUESTION:
    Having sleep problems but passed Sleep Test for Sleep Apnea?
    I had surgery and was advised that my oxygen levels dropped multiple times when I was put to sleep. They advised me that maybe I have sleep apnea and to look into it.

    Reviewed by two Doctor's due to my sleep and other issues that I may have sleep apnea. I have a small airway and apnea like symptoms.

    Took Sleep Study: Tech said that my oxygen levels did not drop nor did I stop breathing during the night but I snored very loud.

    My symptoms have been: Loud Snoring, consent mild headaches, irritable, fatigue, mental sharpness declining and concentration/absorption of info not as quick. Plus, my father has sleep apnea and is being treated for it.

    The tech said it is possible my snoring maybe waking me up but he was not sure. He said that I need to schedule my Post-Exam appointment to find out more on my results.

    So I guess my question is what could be causing my issues based on my symptoms if I do not have Sleep Apnea?

    • ANSWER:

44. QUESTION:
    Does anyone using a CPAP machine for sleep apnea ever get symptoms like hayfever/allegy after using it?
    I've tried cleaning every part of the machine, tank, mask, hoses. (It has a passover humidifier) Changing the air filter, cleaning the room, the bedding, etc, hasn't made any difference. It's definitly the CPAP, not just another allergy, because if I don't use it one night, the symptoms clear up, and return immediatley when it's used again. Allergy meds don't help at all! Can anybody relate or help me?

    • ANSWER:
      When was you mask/nasal pillows last replaced? They need to be replaced every 6 months. Hubby is experiencing the same thing at times and I reminded him that he doesn't clean his nasal pillows often enough and that he needs to get them replaced as he is long overdue to replace them. Also you may need to have you hoses replaced too. Call the place that supplies you machine and make an appointment to get it checked out. Also you didn't say what you used to clean it but this too is something you should ask about when you to get your machine checked out. Be sure the water you use in your humidifier portion is distilled water and not tap water. Good Luck. When you find out what the problem was let everyone know as this useful information.

45. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea?
    What are symptoms of sleep apnea? I'm 14 and am overweight. I always feel tired even though I get 8 hours of sleep everyday.

    • ANSWER:
      sleep apnae is where your breathing slows whilst your asleep and your saturation (how much oxygen) is in your lungs goes down. it should be 100% at your age. if you think this is a problem then see your GP as this can be very serious. he may say to try to lose some weight, but he can hook you up to a machine whilst your asleep to check. my son had this and it was his adenoids that were the problem. yours are probably shrinking by now so its probably another cause. possibly your weight. See you doctor.

46. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea.. ?
    my dad was full asleep when all of a sudden he awoke in a flash gasping for a breath of air. this lasted for almost a minute. I did some research and found that he shows the symptoms of sleep apnea from this site; (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000811.htm#Calling%20your%20health%20care%20provider)I guess he was choking on his vomit in his sleep? Does anyone know how severe sleep apnea is? how easily can it be treated? we called the local hospital but they didnt have a nurse on call, does anyone have any advice on what we should do.. call an ambulance? or is it something that isnt likely to happen again?

    • ANSWER:
      Sleep apnea can be fatal if it is untreated. It usually does not involve choking on one's own vomit, however. That would probably be caused by acid reflux. Sleep apnea comes in several forms, most commonly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). With OSA, the airway is blocked, whether by the throat muscles constricting or the uvula (not the tonsils) sliding over the airway. Central sleep apnea is caused by the brain failing to communicate to the body to breathe. Therefore, there is absolutely no effort. Mixed apnea is a combination of central and obstructive apnea.

      People with sleep apnea often feel tired/sleepy after getting a full-night's "rest". They are also prone to falling asleep at inconvenient or unsafe times (mid-conversation, sitting up and watching television, driving). They may also suffer from morning headaches and even frequent nightmares.

      Sleep apnea is most commonly treated with a machine called a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure). If after having undergone a sleep study, it is discovered that your father has sleep apnea, it will be recommended that he return for a second night which entails him being fitted with a mask that connects to the CPAP machine. There are nasal, oral, and full-face (sits over nose and mouth) masks. The CPAP simply blows air down the throat to keep the airway from closing. It uses filtered air from the room. There are no bells or whistles that alert him and arouse him from sleep when he stops breathing. That would defeat the purpose of the machine. It makes it possible for him to remain asleep by eliminating the apnea altogether (and any snoring if he has it).

      Usually a physician has to refer patients to a sleep lab/center to have a study done. However, some labs take patients without referrals. You can visit http://www.sleepcenters.org to find the sleep lab/center nearest you. It is a good idea to go to one that is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. That way you can rest assured that the lab is following proven rules and regulations.

47. QUESTION:
    can sleep apnea tests be wrong?
    about a year ago i took a sleep apnea test, and it said i didn't have it. but i have all of the symptoms: Limb jerking, punching, kicking, loud snoring, cessation of breathing, excessive daytime irritability, daytime fatigue, memory problems, poor concentration skills, A.D.D. symptoms, and loss of motivation and loss of motor skills. so what i want to know is could the doctors have been wrong when they tested me? or am i wrong? i also slept over at one of my friends houses, and i didn't tell him anything about it. but in the morning, he said exactly, "dude, did u know you dont breath when you sleep?". and thats 1 of the main symptoms of sleep apnea. hes also told me i have a really bad memory... and ive noticed all of these things too.

    • ANSWER:

48. QUESTION:
    Is it sleep apnea?
    OK, first I was wondering of the symptoms of sleep apnea, like fatigue in the mornings, headaches, etc.

    Second, I was wondering if it was possible for me to have sleep apnea but not ever remember waking up. Also, my boyfriend says he doesn't notice anything but he always falls asleep before me and sleeps very heavily.

    Additional: I used to snore and my dr. said it was highly likely I had OBSTRUCTIVE apnea, my throat was blocked by my tonsils. I had them removed but the fatigue, headaches, symptoms, etc. haven't gone away at all.

    What is the name for the apnea that is caused by a malfunction of your brain? Is it possible for me to have that type?
    ---additional: no, I am not overweight but do endure high levels of stress

    • ANSWER:
      All the above are great answers. What you need to do is ask your doctor to refer you to a sleep disorder clinic for assessment. 'Apnea' actually means a period where you stop breathing. You have a 'sleep-over- hooked up to a bunch of wires and your sleep is closely monitered by computers. That's the only was to find out for sure. It's not uncomfortable and is actually quite interesting. It's very important that you get your condition properly assessed because if you don't do anything at all you could have major health problems or even die. Heart attacks, strokes, nervous disorders, etc. You could even fall asleep at the wheel of your car and get in a very serious accident. When I went for my sleep study they found that during a 7-hour sleep I stopped breathing (apneas) almost 500 times, once for as long as 50 seconds. For me it's OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) ... that's the most common kind. Since then (8 years) I use a CPAP machine when I sleep (continuous positive air pressure). Awkward at first, but I got used to it very quickly. Have a good look at sleep.com for lots of information. Please don't try to diagnose yourself ... see a sleep specialist because your life may depend on it. Good luck!!

49. QUESTION:
    Does This Sound like Sleep Apnea to You?
    So i recently had a sleep examination at a sleep lab, and it turns out I have sleep apnea (not breathing often while sleeping because of obstruction in airway), but for some reason I just don't believe I have this sleeping problem because I don't notice it when I sleep. Anyway, I am only 16, I'm 6' 2" but over 300 lbs. I'm ALWAYS tired and depressed. I sleep almost every day at school, and I sleep when I come home for usually 4 hours. I was told that because I don't breathe often in my sleep, I am unconsciously waking up throughout the night, resulting in unrestful sleep.

    I slept for a night at the lab, and they tried me on with a CPAP mask. The next morning, they told me I slept well. I still don't have any more information about how severe the apnea is, or when I'll be getting my mask.

    All I can say is, I'm sick of being obese, I'm sick of being tired, and I'm sick of always being sad and depressed. Do these sound like symptoms of sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      Well, from what you have told..it looks like you do have sleep apnea. But don't worry because your apnea seems to be due to your obesity. If you can lose weight, you will probably stop having apnea too.

      And from your last sentences, it seems that you are willing to lose weight, so, I will suggest you that you should stop worrying and try focusing on some good weight loss regimens, and see what works best for you. But do not try to lose weight too fast, as you might not lose any weight at all in the end!

      Good luck with your efforts!

50. QUESTION:
    How is chiari malformation related to sleep apnea?
    i've been experiencing some symptoms of sleep apnea for a while now, but i didn't know they were out of the norm symptoms until recently. i'm jolted awake by my own snorting (lol?) quite frequently. i always thought it was just me being weird, but apparently that's a sign of sleep apnea. i'm also really, really tired all the time, to the point where i don't even go to bed early anymore because i know even if i get 12 hours of sleep, i'm still tired the next day. i've gotten used to it, so other than a lack of focus it doesn't really inhibit my daily life.

    but the thing i was thinking, is i'm not overweight. i, at first, figured it must not be sleep apnea since i'm not overweight. but the more i looked into it, i saw it can be a sign of a neurological problem. that obviously led me to wonder if it's related to my chiari malformation. i tried looking it up online some, but all i found were publishments from the government or university, it was nothing i could interpret. all i've found is they can be related...but why? is this something i should worry about? should i tell my neurologist? should i get a sleep study?

    if you need to know...
    i'm 5'7 and 115 lb. i try really hard to gain weight, but i just don't gain. so definitely not overweight.
    i'm a vegetarian
    i'm active (walk a lot and ride horses)
    i was diagnosed with chiari just over a year ago, but my doctor said i was born with it
    i used to get 8-9 hours of sleep in a night, but these days i get about 7. the symptoms started back when i was getting more sleep.

    if you have any questions, i'll try to add. thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Chiari malformation is a disorder that affects respiratory centers. Many sleep-related breathing problems are seen in patients with chiari, including sleep apnea.

      The thing that you don't understand is how do you have the symptoms of sleep apnea if you are not overweight? Well, your sleep disorder is called central sleep apnea or central apnea, and this disorder has issues with the respiratory center from the brain, not with the obstruction of your airways (obstructive sleep apnea).

      Now you know that you have central apnea, and you should go to the sleep center to find how can you be treated.

      I hope it helps.