Surprising Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea and How to Address Them

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Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing while sleeping, which can disrupt the quality of sleep and overall health. Most people associate sleep apnoea with snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, but there are actually many other surprising symptoms that can indicate this condition. In this blog post, we will explore some of the lesser-known symptoms of sleep apnoea and discuss ways to address them for better sleep and overall well-being.

1. Morning Headaches

Waking up with a headache may not always be due to a late night or dehydration. It could also be a sign of sleep apnoea. People with this condition often experience morning headaches due to the lack of oxygen during the night. When the airway is partially or completely blocked, the brain does not receive enough oxygen, leading to headaches in the morning. If you frequently wake up with a headache, it is worth getting checked for sleep apnoea.

2. Mood Changes

Sleep apnoea can also affect your mood and emotional well-being. People with this disorder often report feeling irritable, moody, and anxious. This is because the lack of quality sleep can disrupt the production of hormones that regulate mood, such as serotonin and cortisol. Additionally, the constant interruptions in breathing during sleep can lead to fragmented and poor-quality sleep, leaving a person feeling exhausted and irritable during the day. If you notice changes in your mood, it is essential to consider sleep apnoea as a potential cause.

3. Difficulty Concentrating

Sleep apnoea can also affect cognitive function and make it challenging to concentrate and focus during the day. This is because the brain does not get enough restorative sleep, which is crucial for memory consolidation and learning. As a result, people with this condition may have difficulty completing tasks, remembering things, and staying alert during the day. This can significantly impact their work and personal life. If you find yourself struggling to concentrate, it is worth exploring the possibility of sleep apnoea.

4. Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, is a common symptom of sleep apnoea. The frequent pauses in breathing during sleep can cause changes in pressure in the esophagus, leading to acid reflux. This can be especially troublesome for people with pre-existing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Not only can acid reflux cause discomfort and disrupt sleep, but it can also increase the risk of developing other health issues, such as inflammation and respiratory problems. If you experience acid reflux frequently, it is worth discussing with your doctor and getting screened for sleep apnoea.

5. Nocturia

Nocturia, or the need to urinate frequently during the night, is another surprising symptom of sleep apnoea. When the body is not getting enough oxygen during sleep, it releases a hormone called atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which signals the kidneys to produce more urine. This can lead to multiple trips to the bathroom during the night, disrupting sleep and causing fatigue during the day. If you find yourself waking up frequently to use the bathroom, it is worth considering if sleep apnoea could be the underlying cause.

Surprising Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea and How to Address Them

Now that we have explored some of the lesser-known symptoms of sleep apnoea, let’s discuss ways to address them and improve sleep quality.

1. Seek Medical Treatment

The first and most crucial step in addressing sleep apnoea is to seek medical treatment. A doctor can diagnose the condition through a sleep study and recommend appropriate treatment options. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may include lifestyle changes, oral appliances, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a significant risk factor for sleep apnoea. Excess weight can lead to the accumulation of fat around the neck, which can obstruct the airway and cause breathing interruptions during sleep. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk of developing sleep apnoea or improve symptoms if you already have the condition.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives

Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in the throat, making it easier for the airway to collapse and cause breathing interruptions during sleep. It is best to avoid these substances, especially close to bedtime, to improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep apnoea.

4. Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

For people with acid reflux as a symptom of sleep apnoea, elevating the head while sleeping can help reduce discomfort and reflux episodes. This can be done by using a wedge pillow or raising the head of the bed by a few inches.

5. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Practicing good sleep hygiene can also help improve symptoms of sleep apnoea. This includes maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding stimulating activities before bedtime.

In summary, sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder that can have surprising symptoms, including morning headaches, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, acid reflux, and nocturia. Seeking medical treatment, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol and sedatives, elevating the head while sleeping, and practicing good sleep hygiene can help address these symptoms and improve sleep quality for individuals with sleep apnoea.