Do you wake up tired even after a full night’s sleep? Does your partner complain about your loud snoring? These could be more than just annoyances they may be signs of sleep apnea, a serious condition that disrupts your breathing during sleep.
One of the most effective treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is CPAP therapy (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). If you’re wondering whether it’s time to consider a CPAP machine, here are the top 5 signs to watch for.
1. Loud, Chronic Snoring
What it means: Snoring, especially when it’s loud and constant, is one of the most common symptoms of OSA.
When your airway becomes partially blocked, air struggles to pass through, causing vibrations in your throat (aka snoring). A CPAP machine keeps your airway open, reducing or eliminating snoring entirely.
Pro tip: If your snoring wakes others but not you, it’s worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
2. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
What it means: Do you feel drowsy at work? Do you fall asleep watching TV or sitting in meetings?
Sleep apnea causes frequent interruptions in your sleep even if you don’t remember waking up. This results in poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue, no matter how many hours you spend in bed.
A CPAP machine helps restore deep, restful sleep so you feel energized during the day.
3. Waking Up Gasping or Choking
What it means: If you’ve ever woken up suddenly feeling breathless, it could be a sign your airway was temporarily blocked.
These episodes may only last a few seconds, but they’re a red flag. Repeated pauses in breathing not only disrupt sleep, but also put strain on your heart and lungs.
CPAP therapy prevents these episodes by keeping a continuous flow of air to your lungs.
4. Morning Headaches or Dry Mouth
What it means: Oxygen drops during apnea events can cause headaches when you wake up. Breathing through your mouth due to blocked nasal passages can leave you feeling dry and parched.
If these symptoms happen often, they could point to untreated sleep apnea.
A CPAP machine especially with a heated humidifier can greatly reduce these issues.
5. High Blood Pressure or Heart Problems
What it means: Sleep apnea puts stress on your cardiovascular system by reducing oxygen and increasing pressure in your chest.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or other heart-related issues and you also snore or feel tired, you may benefit from a sleep study.
CPAP therapy can improve heart health by ensuring your body gets consistent oxygen throughout the night.
Why It Matters
Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious long-term health problems including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs, a simple sleep study can provide answers.
What to Do Next
- Talk to your doctor – Discuss your symptoms and whether a sleep study is recommended.
- Complete a sleep test – This can be done at home or in a lab.
- Start CPAP therapy if diagnosed – With the right setup and support, you’ll be sleeping better in no time.
A CPAP machine can change your life, if you need one. If you’re noticing signs like snoring, fatigue, or morning headaches, don’t ignore them. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can sleep (and live) better.
Leave a comment