If you're struggling to get a good night's rest, the problem might be bigger than you thought, especially if your natural remedies haven't worked. Many people struggle with occasional insomnia. But when lack of sleep brings on additional issues, testing may be necessary to get to the root of the problem. If experiencing health issues associated with a lack of sleep, it might be time to get tested for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes breathing disruptions during sleep. One form of sleep apnea — obstructive sleep apnea — causes the throat muscles to relax and block your airway. A sleep apnea test can determine if you suffer from the condition. Here are four symptoms you should look for. If you experience any of the symptoms described below, consult with a doctor right away.
You Wake Up With a Headache
It's not uncommon to wake up with a headache from time to time. Some causes for morning headaches can include stress, muscle strain, and bruxism. In most instances, those headaches won't occur on a regular basis. But, if you wake up with headaches on a regular basis, sleep apnea may be at the root of the problem. Headaches can occur as a result of oxygen loss caused by sleep apnea.
You Can't Concentrate During the Day
If you've noticed a lack of concentration during the day, you need to talk to your doctor. Sleep apnea can cause you to experience episodes of brain fog, memory loss, or the inability to concentrate. There may be times when stress or other issues may also cause those symptoms. But if they continue on a regular basis, you should be tested for sleep apnea, especially if these symptoms are interfering with your daily activities.
You Have Unexplained Mood Changes
If you're suffering from unexplained mood changes, it might be time to ask for a sleep study. Sleep apnea can cause constant interruptions to your sleep pattern throughout the night. As a result, you can't get into the deep sleep you need to completely refresh. Over time, you can develop mood changes, including mood swings, depression, and irritability.
You Suffer From Daytime Fatigue
If you can't make it through the day without developing fatigue or drowsiness, sleep apnea may be interrupting your sleep. When you're able to get a good night's rest, you'll wake up refreshed. But, sleep apnea prevents you from getting a good night's rest. As a result, you may experience daytime fatigue and drowsiness.
If you're struggling with sleep problems, and you've been unable to resolve the issue, visit a sleep apnea center near you.
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