When you're asleep, it's a time of rest and recovery, recharging your batteries for the next day. At least, it should be. For people who have a sleeping disorder, the night time is not as peaceful as it should be.
One fairly common disorder is obstructive sleep apnoea, also simply called sleep apnoea, where the muscles in the throat block the airways temporarily during sleep. Not being able to breathe properly during the night is a frightening thought, yet many people live with the condition unaware of what happens while they're asleep. There are signs if you know what to look for, so if the following symptoms sound familiar, find out about organising a stay in a sleep clinic for diagnosis.
Snoring and noisy breathing while asleep
If you sleep with a partner, they should be able to tell you if they've noticed any noisy breathing during the night. Snoring is often considered a mere annoyance, but it can be a telltale sign of sleep apnoea. If you sleep alone, try recording yourself while you sleep, using a tape recorder or your phone. You'll be able to hear if there's anything suspicious.
Headaches in the morning
Because sleep apnoea leads to low oxygen levels in the blood, it can cause headaches, particularly when you first wake up. If you notice this happening often despite proper hydration, this could be what's behind it. Any frequent headaches are a good reason to see a doctor.
Frequent waking
People with sleep apnoea tend to wake fairly often during the night, often with a need to urinate. If this happens once or twice during the night, it's probably normal, but more than that is a problem. Sleep apnoea isn't the only cause of this, but if it's something you suffer from, a sleep clinic should be able to get to the bottom of it.
Difficulty staying awake
Even when you think you've had a good night's sleep, the breathing difficulties of sleep apnoea mean it will be poor quality sleep. Combined with the low blood oxygen levels, this will make you tired throughout the day. You may notice yourself nodding off in front of the TV or struggling to stay awake at work during the afternoon, even if you were asleep for a good length of time.
Irritability and poor concentration
Low-quality sleep doesn't just make it hard to stay awake – it can affect your mood, too. Irritability and mood swings could be signs of sleep apnoea, especially when combined with other symptoms. It can affect your concentration as well, making it difficult to focus on tasks and easier to get distracted when you're doing something.
Contact your local sleep study clinic for more information and assistance.
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