hi everyone. after eight frustrating years of experiencing what i now believe may be sleep apnea, i've just made an appointment for a consult with a sleep specialist. however, it seems from the research i've done that it's pretty rare for someone to have this condition without being a "snorer." i rarely, if ever, snore (nor am i overweight or male) -- but i do have the following symptoms:

excessive daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating/forgetfulness, irritability, increased frequency of urination (esp. at night), esophageal reflux and a recessed lower jaw

could this still be sleep apnea (or a related condition) without the snoring? any thoughts are appreciated...

bonsol,  what are your symptoms?

sleepyjean


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"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who truly love."


Beckham

sorry, bonsol.  I misread your post, so please ignore my stupid question!

sleepyjean


_________________
"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who truly love."


Beckham

Bonsol,

It is very possible to have sleep apnea and not snore.  Also, it is a common misconception that you cannot be of a healthy weight, and even thin, to have apnea.  There are plenty of posters here who will attest to that.  Ditto with gender.  Many of us have, unfortunately been misdiagnosed because we do not fit the typical stereotype of an overweight, middle-aged male.  I'm really sorry it took so long for you to get help.  We also tend to attribute the way we feel to something more routine, stresss, job, kids, etc.  This forum is here to provide information and educate.

I am very glad you are scheduled for a study.  Welcome and keep posting!

Vicki


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Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Vos Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

bonsol wrote:

hi everyone. after eight frustrating years of experiencing what i now believe may be sleep apnea, i've just made an appointment for a consult with a sleep specialist. however, it seems from the research i've done that it's pretty rare for someone to have this condition without being a "snorer." i rarely, if ever, snore (nor am i overweight or male) -- but i do have the following symptoms:

excessive daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating/forgetfulness, irritability, increased frequency of urination (esp. at night), esophageal reflux and a recessed lower jaw

could this still be sleep apnea (or a related condition) without the snoring? any thoughts are appreciated...

Hi,

You don't have to be a snorer to have sleep apnoea...........but most people who have sleep apnoea do snore. The symptoms you posted point towards Sleep Apnoea.

The recessed jaw line (IMHO) is very important, as it is a skeletal issue. It points towards a hereditary problem. Any of your family or ancestors suffer from Sleep Apnoea ? THe frequent nightime visits to the bathroom is called 'nocturia'. This with increased irritability are real tell tale signs. Do you have hypertension ?..........

It is important that you attend the sleep specialist. If you have a spouse/partner, it is a good idea to bring them along also, as they might be aware of symptoms that you have missed.

Best of luck........and keep posting.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Sounds like me.  I found out about apnea looking to get the surgery for the recessed jaw.  But after my girlfriend told me I snore only softly, when I do, I dismissed apnea.  A few months later I found out about UARS, and it sounded more like me, and...  long story short, I saw a specialist, got polysomnography, got diagnosed.

I would think, from how I understand snoring, that it would be related to the location of the restriction causing the event.  For those with recessed lower jaws, the location that would be causing the restriction would be lower,  more in the phraynx than the uvula.  The uvula, as I understand it, is where snoring comes from.

Get polysomnography (via a sleep doctor)... it's the only way to be sure.

Hi Bonsol,

The most common form of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea.  And the form of the obstruction affecting how air is restricted from passing through your throat can vary.  Most forms are the relaxation of the throat and muscle tissues, causing the obstruction.  But a jaw problem may well be a cause or contribute to the other causes.  Daniel is right in that it should be considered by whoever evaluates your condition.  I fit the stereotype of a sleep apneac.  But so many don't.  I run a local support group for sleep apnea, you'd be amazed by the variety of people, all sizes, shapes, ages and situations.


Linda

Thanks, everyone -- very helpful. I'm going for my consult on Monday and can't wait to see what they say. How amazing it would be to finally get some answers!