4 Signs You Should Test For Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that sounds simple but can pose serious cardiovascular health risks. People often dismiss it as simple snoring, but the condition is serious. If you're experiencing any of these four sets of symptoms, it's time to ask a health professional about doing a sleep study.
No Restful Sleep
When you sleep, you should get the benefit of feeling rested as long as your time isn't interrupted. You might have occasions where stress or indigestion might hurt your restfulness, but it shouldn't be a constant problem. If you never achieve restful sleep, which is defined as regularly waking up feeling refreshed after a full cycle, a sleep study is likely to be right for you.
Snoring
Obstructions in your airways are the essential causes of sleep apnea. If you know that you snore, don't dismiss it as a normal thing.
Bear in mind that you might not know that you snore. This is especially true if you don't have a partner or roommate who can complain about it to you. If you regularly rouse from your sleep, there's a good chance you needed to catch your breath. That likely means you have been snoring. Ask about getting tested.
High Heart Rate or Blood Pressure
If you don't already own one, purchase a pulse oximeter. This will provide basic data about your cardiovascular condition. The device is relatively cheap, and it's as simple as clipping it on your finger and getting a reading.
Note that you want to find your resting heart rate. This means you should take the reading after your pulse has had time to come down. Even something as simple as doing dishes or climbing the stairs can raise your RHR. Use the oximeter to check your rate once you've settled down for a few minutes. A healthy number should be between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Similarly, check your blood-oxygen saturation level. The O2 reading for a healthy person should be from 95 to 100 percent. Anyone at 94 percent or below when measuring their resting heart rate should talk with a professional. A reading of 91 percent or below is a sign you should seek immediate medical attention.
Shortness of Breath, Headaches, or Chest Pains
The strain on the heart from sleep apnea can lead to symptoms similar to heart attacks, strokes, or other issues. If you're struggling for air or feel like your head or chest are going to explode, that's bad. You should visit a doctor immediately, and there's a good chance they'll send you to a clinic for a sleep study if the problem isn't something else.
For more information, contact a local company, like Upstate Sleep Solutions.
Share