How to Tell if You Have Sleep Apnea

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops while you are asleep. There are three main forms of the condition: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea syndrome. 

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the throat muscles relax and prevent air from traveling to and from the lungs. Central sleep apnea results from incorrect sending of signals from the brain to the diaphragm – the muscle that controls breathing. And complex sleep apnea syndrome is when you have a combination of central and obstructive sleep apnea. 

At Cochise Oncology, we treat all forms of sleep apnea. Dealing with the condition quickly is crucial. People with long-term sleep apnea can develop high blood pressure, daytime fatigue, type two diabetes, sleep-deprived partners, and liver problems. 

Sleep Apnea Symptoms

In general, there is a substantial overlap between central and obstructive sleep apneas. The most common symptoms include: 

• Grogginess, fatigue, or tiredness upon waking 
• Daytime sleepiness
• A sense that you aren’t rested when you wake up
• Difficulty staying asleep all night
• Gasping for breath during the night
• Episodes where you stop breathing – something a partner might report to you in the morning
• Difficulties in paying attention to what people are saying while awake
• Headaches in the morning