Sleep Apnea Side Effects

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder that can include central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea and a combination of both. A person suffering from sleep apnea tends to have abnormal pauses in breathing and low breathing during sleep. Though a person with sleep apnea won't recognize these symptoms during their sleep, even when waking up from a gasping or choking bout, there are common side effects that can indicate you may have a sleep apnea condition.

Sleep apnea often causes restless sleep that leaves people feeling fatigued and as if they didn't really sleep at all. Someone suffering from central sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea usually has days that are marked by difficulty focusing and concentrating, trouble with memory and excessive drowsiness. If you notice these symptoms persisting and can't attribute it to anything else you should see a doctor to find out of you are suffering from sleep apnea. Everyone has a night or two where sleep is difficult and the next day is a struggle to get through, but if this is happening on a regular basis it is a sign something is wrong.

The drowsiness associated with sleep apnea can also lead to more serious problems such as poor performance at work, onset of depression, irritability, general confusion and being easily angered. People who suffer from sleep apnea may find themselves getting into arguments, fighting with family and friends and having a very short temper due to the lack of quality sleep. If you are demonstrating any of these symptoms and do not have a history of such behavior it is a good idea to seek medical attention for the possibility of sleep apnea.

Though not all symptoms are as recognizable as the side effects of not sleeping well, a person with sleep apnea may also show manifestations of the disorder with one or more of the following: high blood pressure, panic attacks, heart arrhythmia, low blood oxygen levels and the onset of diabetes. Not many people will be able to detect such symptoms so it is important to see a doctor if you think your erratic daytime behavior is a sign of sleep apnea.

If you live and sleep alone it can be much harder to detect the symptoms of sleep apnea. People who sleep with a spouse or partner benefit in that the partner will most likely hear the irregular breathing, gasping and choking associated with sleep apnea and if the condition persists will be able to recommend seeing a doctor.

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