Some people just figure they have trouble sleeping but don't realize that there could be something more serious at the back of it all.
Sleep apnea is a perfect example of this type of problem.
If you're waking up most mornings more tired than when you went to bed then it's possible that you're suffering from sleep apnea - especially if people complain about your snoring during the night.
Statistics show that 90 percent of people who suffer from sleep apnea have no idea they have the problem.
This is not surprising.
This sleep disorder can often go unnoticed for years.
Even if you gasp or choke for air several times throughout the night, you usually won't remember that you struggled for breath at some point.
Generally, it's your partner who notices that you're struggling to breathe during the night.
So, how do you know that you have sleep apnea? You choke or gasp while you're asleep.
You snore loudly.
You wake up in a sweat or you wake up so you can breathe.
You feel constantly sleepy in the daytime.
You feel constantly tired even after eight to ten hours of sleep.
What makes this disorder so dangerous is that your airways are deprived of oxygen while you choke in your sleep.
When this happens, your brain doesn't get enough oxygen.
This can lead to high blood pressure, memory loss, learning problems, heart diseases, or even sexual dysfunction.
Some people also suffer depression as a result of this sleep disorder.
If you think you have sleep apnea, there are things that you can do before visiting your doctor or a sleep specialist.
1.
Start a sleep diary.
You or your partner can observe how well you're sleeping, how loudly you're snoring, and whether or not you have trouble breathing while asleep.
Observe, too, if you feel refreshed when you wake up in the morning.
2.
Record yourself.
Recording yourself while you sleep is useful.
Your doctor can use it to diagnose your condition.
You can use your computer or a sound-activated device to do the recording.
Present your doctor with your recording and your sleep diary.
If he suspects you have sleep apnea, he will recommend that you spend the night at a sleep clinic where they can accurately measure the frequency with which you stop breathing.
The good news is that this sleeping disorder responds quite well to home remedies, and these self-help treatments are quite easy to do.
For instance, you can try sleeping on your side or on your back.
You can elevate your bed's head by 4 to 6 inches.
This makes breathing easier and helps you snore less.
You can also try using saline nasal sprays, breathe right strips, or a nasal dilator to open your nasal passages.
You can try losing weight, too.
Studies show that overweight individuals sleep better and suffer sleep apnea less after losing 10 percent of their body weight.