My other half is getting fed up with sleeping in the same bed because I keep her awake at night with snoring and also she says she worries because I seem to stop breathing for what seems like quite a while until I gasp for a breath and then breath normally again for a while. This happens quite a bit through the night and I am always tired through the day, I dont fall asleep in the daytime but then I'm one of those people who can't normally sleep during daylight hours anyway. I've heard sleep apnea can be dangerous so I'm starting to get worried myself now...... do you think I have possibly got sleep apnea????

I've heard being overweight can cause it? I'm not fat but I have got a bit of a belly (beer) and according to my doctor am very slightly overweight for my age height, I'm 32 male and about 5' 9" and 13.5 stone

Hi there DaShiner02,

And welcome!

The only way to know for sure if it's sleep apnea is to be tested with a sleep study.

But you have one of the more significant symptoms, of being observed in your sleep as stopping breathing or gasping.  Of all the symptoms, that's the most indicative of sleep apnea.  So I urge you to see a doctor and get tested.

I run a local support group for sleep apnea, and I've seen a wide ranged of body sizes and builds.  Typically those with sleep apnea are overweight.  In some, that weight may be the sole contributing factor.  But there is no guarantee that loss of weight will eliminate sleep apnea.  It's certainly a noble goal and there's always a chance, but you should not rely on that, especially if you're considered not-so overweight.  

There are lists of possible symptoms.  You might check the FAQ Frequently Asked Questions section (a link to it is provided at the bottom of my message).  But keep in mind, you might have only a couple of symptoms yet have the condition.  But you have symptoms of possible witnessed apneas, gasping, and excessive daytime sleepiness.  That alone warrants getting tested.

And yes, sleep apnea if left untreated can be dangerous.  It's important to be tested to determine if you have it, and if you do, to know the specifics about your condition.


Linda


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Linda is right the symptoms that your wife observed in you are typical of Sleep Apnea, and you should have it checked. My wife started nudging me, ( Elbow in the ribs) and saying BREATHE! and would often wake me up and tell me I was snoring to loud! I used to get mad because I was always tired and was having a hard enough time sleeping, and I didn't appreciate being woke-up just to be told I was snoring to loud or I needed to Breath! Don't wait till it gets worse, go get yourself checked out. It will definitely be good for you and your spouse will thank-you a million times over! Good Luck!

Ahhhh yes, the "elbow to the ribs".  I remember it well.

Some mornings before CPAP I would literally wake up with a big bruise on my side and say "What the heck happened?".  The my wife would say "Oh, you were REALLY snoring last night".  

Get a sleep study...then you will know for sure.

It seems like Sleep Apnea is more common than we think because how many of us have had fathers who snored? or have heard stories of snoring in the bed, and the wife elbowing the husband?


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5'9 234lbs 37 years Old Male
Original Sleep Study: AHI = 30

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