The American Sleep Apnea Association is dedicated to the promotion of sleep health through research, advocacy and education. Read on to see what the nonprofit has to say regarding sleep apnea.
It’s well known that sleep is critical to your overall health. But what people need to focus on is the quality of that sleep.
A recent report released by the American Sleep Apnea Association demonstrates that people are under-diagnosed; it may take many years between the recognition of symptoms and the diagnosis of a sleep disorder. Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 50-75 percent of adults with symptoms of sleep apnea have not discussed their concerns with a physician. Routine sleep screenings by the medical community are underutilized.
With this in mind, here are some sleep apnea symptoms to watch out for:
- Are you chronically fatigued and feel foggy headed?
- Do you experience daytime fatigue? Do you fall asleep at stop lights, for example?
- Are you unproductive at work? Do you nod off during meetings?
- Do you wake up during the night gasping for air?
Left untreated, sleep apnea can have severe health ramifications and is linked to increased rates of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and other serious conditions. People need to be their own best advocates and talk to their doctor about sleep apnea.