Faster sleep apnea diagnosis
may be among the marriage and long-term relationship benefits, which also
include financial security, emotional maturity and better socialization.
"People who have no sleeping partner may go for years
without recognizing their difficulty" with sleep apnea, Michigan surgeon
John L. Pfenninger writes in a July
2014 Midland Daily News article about the challenges and dangers of living
with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). " The classic hallmark of obstructive
sleep apnea is snoring. Anyone with significant snoring problems should be
evaluated."
Dr. Pfenninger also elaborates on the most common causes of sleep apnea,
which is more dominant in men, particularly those with large necks. Among its
causes:
·
Obesity
·
Drug, alcohol or sedative use or abuse
·
Aging
·
Decreased muscle tone
·
Naturally narrow airways
Sleeping alongside another person can help potential sleep
apnea patients identify heavy snoring or interrupted night breathing. Since
sleep apnea can exacerbate other health problems including cardiovascular
disease and high blood pressure, it may be especially prudent for a patient to
take note of such sleep
apnea symptoms as:
·
Daytime sleepiness
·
Morning headaches
·
Insomnia
·
Concentration problems
·
Unusual moodiness or irritability
·
Depression
·
Fatigue
·
Decreased sex drive
If
you believe you might be suffering from sleep apnea, please contact a qualified sleep
physician in your area or call (866) 727-6275.