How do you know if you suffer from OSA? If you are not sure, you may ask your partner to be tuned in and listen for an irregular breathing pattern during the night.
If you live alone you may want to do a simple test such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), which is world recognised.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale is used to determine the level of daytime sleepiness.
You can download a test free by clicking on the ESS test below.
A more definite option is a professional test in a sleep clinic.
But that can be rather expensive and needs a physician's referral.
With Obstructive Sleep Apnea, there are some familiar symptoms you can look for.
Some of the most common symptoms are: Snoring (heavily) is the first and foremost sign, irregular breathing or/and breathing interruptions for short or long periods.
To recognise this you may need the observation of your partner.
But there are other signs you can keep an eye out for.
High blood pressure -- You will find that your blood pressure has increased.
Some physicians will prescribe a blood thinner straight away without further question.
However if you have any of the other symptoms you should look deeper and undergo a sleep test.
Sleep deprivation - Another good indication is if you feel very tired when waking in the morning and are repeatedly so during the day.
Easily falling asleep when sitting in a train, bus or car as a passenger is another one.
In extreme cases falling asleep while driving is not uncommon and this can have obvious safety implications for you and others sharing the road.
Maybe you are falling asleep when reading a book, watching TV or resting on the couch.
These are all signs of sleep deprivation.
Perhaps you find yourself gasping for air and waking up during the night or waking up during the night several times and not knowing why.
Some people have reoccurring dreams such as drowning, being able to breathe underwater or falling off a cliff.
Other signs of a restless sleep or not enough sleep are falling asleep in less than 5 minutes when going to bed, morning headaches or feeling unwell as though you have a hangover without having consumed alcohol the evening before, reduced sexual drive, lack of concentration, intellectual deterioration and/or having a poor memory.
Other symptoms are noticed more by your friends such as changes in personality, being impatient and unusually aggravated for little or no reason, being unmotivated or depressed at times, giving up easily or having a "couldn't care less" attitude regarding important issues.
The list goes on.
Not all of the symptoms described mean that you have OSA.
There could be other related health issues with the same symptoms.
But if you are able to tick a few of the symptoms you should endeavour to improve your quality of life NOW!!!