Why Sleep Apnea Is Hard to Identify
Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Mon 07/25/2016 - 09:00
Millions of Americans have sleep apnea. However, statistics show only 16 percent of those people receive treatment. A big reason for this may be that, while common, sleep apnea is hard to identify. In this blog post, Dr. Ivan Stein of New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions explains why.
Sleep Apnea Is Common
People with increased risk of sleep apnea include men and individuals who are overweight. However, anyone can develop sleep apnea, even those who are thin, physically fit and healthy. Because symptoms of sleep apnea, particularly chronic snoring, are common, they are often dismissed. As a result, many people live with sleep apnea for years, without knowing they have the condition.
Sleep Apnea Is Often Misdiagnosed
It’s hard to know if you have sleep apnea. After all, one of the most common symptoms of the condition, chronic snoring, occurs while you sleep. Even if you share the bed with someone, they may not hear your snoring while they sleep. Other people blame exhaustion or sinus problems for the chronic snoring or cessation in breathing.
Daytime symptoms of sleep apnea are just as hard to identify. Daytime sleepiness, lack of focus and mood swings are all symptoms that can be caused by other problems, such as an unhealthy diet or depression.
Find Out if You Have Sleep Apnea
If left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. If you or your spouse are constantly awakened at night because of your loud snoring and if you are exhausted the next day, it’s worth finding out if you have sleep apnea. The first step is to conduct a self-evaluation and take our sleepiness quiz. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, schedule a professional evaluation with a sleep specialist. If they determine you have sleep apnea, Dr. Stein can design a treatment plan to help you sleep more soundly at night, based on the severity of your symptoms.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Stein, please call New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions at (855) WHY-SNORE or (855) 949-7667 today.
