🌙Beyond Snoring: 5 Atypical Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea You Didn't Know About 😴

Think you know sleep apnea? Think again! Discover five surprising symptoms that could be putting your health at risk, and that even your doctor might

8 overlooked symptoms that might mean more than you think:

1️⃣ Morning headaches
2️⃣ Unexplained weight gain
3️⃣ Decreased libido
4️⃣ Frequent nighttime urination (Nocturia)
5️⃣ Cognitive impairment
6️⃣ Regurgitation and vomiting
7️⃣ Teeth clenching and grinding (Bruxism)
8️⃣ Choking or Gasping – waking up suddenly with a gasp or cough might signal that your airway is obstructed during sleep!

Unexplained Weight Gain: Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, can be a symptom of sleep apnea. The hormonal imbalances caused by interrupted sleep from the sleep apnea, can lead to increased appetite and cravings, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
Morning Headaches: Many people experience chronic headaches upon waking, which can be mistaken for tension headaches or migraines. This can be linked to the disrupted sleep patterns and lowered oxygen levels during the night associated with obstructive sleep apnea. .
Decreased Libido: Individuals with sleep apnea often report reduced sexual desire or performance issues. The problem is multi fold stemming from hormonal changes, fatigue, depression, and the overall impact of poor sleep quality on mental and physical health.
Frequent Nighttime Urination (Nocturia): Waking up multiple times to urinate at night can signal underlying sleep issues. The fragmented sleep patterns can contribute to a cycle of waking and needing to relieve oneself, which may be misattributed to other causes. I saw this as a common complaint in my male clients that presented to their doctor with frequent peeing at night. They were tested for their prostate health and diabetes or if clear, was just attributed to their ageing. Many were missed for chronic sleep apnea and sent home with some simple strategies such as limit their drinking and bedhead elevation. Sleep apnea produces a hormone that triggers the cue to the brain that you need to pee.
It was one of the more common positives comments reported once they started CPAP therapy.
Cognitive Impairment: Memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and "brain fog" can be linked to sleep apnea. The chronic lack of restorative sleep can significantly affect cognitive function, leading to problems that resemble early signs of dementia or anxiety. Sleep apnea prevents you from falling into restorative slow wave and REM sleep which is vital for brain and memory health.
Regurgitation and Vomiting:
Some individuals with obstructive sleep apnea experience gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), leading to acid reflux, regurgitation, and even nighttime vomiting. This happens due to pressure changes in the airway, causing stomach acid to travel upwards.
Teeth Clenching and Grinding (Bruxism):
Grinding or clenching teeth at night is often a response to the airway obstruction caused by sleep apnea. This can lead to jaw pain, worn-down teeth, and other dental issues—something dentists may notice before doctors
Could Your Nighttime Gasps Be Sleep Apnea? Waking up in the middle of the night gasping or coughing? It’s easy to dismiss it as just swallowing saliva or needing a lung check, but choking or gasping during sleep could be a major red flag for sleep apnea!

These symptoms are often overlooked but can have a huge impact on your health if not properly addressed. If any of these sound familiar, it's time to talk to your doctor about sleep apnea!

CAT: Sleep Apnea & CPAP

#SleepApneaAwareness, #BeyondSnoring, #SleepHealthMatters, #UndiagnosedApnea,

#HealthAlert

Categories: : CPAP, Sleep Apnea