One of the most effective ways to combat undiagnosed sleep apnea is to take an active role in assessing your overall health. Self-check-ins are especially important in the case of sleep apnea because you don’t experience the direct symptoms until you’re asleep. Taking the time during your waking life to reflect on how you feel and be mindful can have a significant impact on whether you receive an early or late diagnosis for sleep apnea and change the course of treatment from that point forward.
What Kinds of Questions Should You Ask Yourself?
What does a self-check-in look like? If you’re checking in on how you’re feeling and trying to discern whether you might be suffering from sleep apnea, here are a few additional factors to consider:
- Do you often feel tired throughout the day?
- Do you have a history of hypertension, stroke, or diabetes?
- Are you considered medically obese?
Each of these factors plays its own part in sleep apnea.
Do You Often Feel Tired Throughout the Day?
Feeling tired throughout the day is one of the most prominent signs that you might have a sleep disorder. One of the most critical factors to consider is whether this feeling has been occurring regularly. For example, if throughout your life you’ve always felt tired at a certain point in your day but suddenly feel more tired than usual, this might be a sign that your sleep is suffering.
Do You Have a History of Hypertension, Stroke, or Diabetes?
If so and you feel tired all the time and/or are having trouble sleeping at night it might be that your airway is partially blocked. The airway has to remain open in order for air to easily flow into your lungs while you sleep.
Are You Considered Medically Obese?
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your health for a number of reasons. People who are considered overweight consistently suffer from sleep apnea to a greater extent. Additional weight can act as the obstruction that influences OSA.
Self Check-Ins Are Important!
Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep quality or just trying to find out what’s going on with your health, self-check-ins can be a great way for people to understand their bodies better. Self-check-ins are quick and easy and can help you get the medical attention you need if you consistently find that you’re not feeling the way you should. Call Dr. Marzban’s office at 703-323-8200 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.
