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Is this Sleep Apnea? Please read...

On Health & Drugs & Medications » Sleep Disorders

3,703 words with 4 Comments; publish: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:43:00 GMT; (90093.26, « »)

Hi all,

I was just wondering if any of you could provide me some insight...

My boyfriend is a big guy, about 250 lbs...he's not fat at all, but works out a lot, plays hockey and football, etc...

I have recently been wondering if he has sleep apnea, or a mild case of it (if there is such a thing?)

OK, He snores a lot and very loudly...on mornings that either of us have to get up especially early he has to sleep in the living room on the futon, and even from there I can still hear him snoring with the bedroom door shut! :eek:

Also, and more scary... lately he has been waking up almost choking, like just like he missed a breath or something and then goes back to sleep. He never remembers that he does this, I don't think he actually wakes up...but of course I'm right beside him and get alarmed. He has had strep throat recently and has been congested and tells me that that's the reason, and that I'm worrying over nothing. I am a worrywart, thats why I'm here. :rolleyes:

So, my question to everyone is, do you think this is something we should check out? Is it possible for someone to have sleep apnea without even feeling that their sleep is being interrupted? Is there any other symptoms of sleep apnea that you know of that I should know about?

Thank you so much for any help you can give me!

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  • 4 Comments
    • I am only just researching it for myself but one thing I read u were questioning is the ability for the person with it not to notice it. Its very true most people never notice it and its their bed partners that notice it. When I was in hospital after surgery I was told my oxygen levels dropped drammtically when I was asleep and I never noticed it!
      #1; Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:59:00 GMT
    • Hi Brockbabe and Kirafaye,

      From what you've wrote yes sleep apnea could be a possibility. You do not need to be overweight as in fat to have apnea (although the weight does not help). Being big around the neck area could contribute too. Not all snorers have sleep apnea. But the waking up choking sounds like a symptom. Kirafaye is right. Most people with apnea are not aware of the things they are doing in their sleep such as jerking, choking, etc.

      Both my son and I have sleep apnea. Most nights I had no idea the crazy things I was doing in my sleep. But there were times I would jump out of bed gasping for air in the middle of the night and was completely aware of it.

      You said that he has strep throat and congestion. He might be having sleep issues because of that. My advice would be to wait until he is over his illness and if he continues to have the same sleeping habits, then see the doctor about a sleep study.

      Good luck and take care.

      anxiouslady

      #2; Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:00:00 GMT
    • thanks for your replies...

      My bf is no longer sick nor congested so he can't use that as an excuse (the problem started years ago) I did some research and found some articles which showed an extremely high prevalence of sleep apnea in football players, especially linemen because of their large neck sizes (among other things). He definately has a very large neck, so that might be the culprit. I have convinced him to make a doctors appointment, so we will be going in the next couple weeks and hopefully will be referred to a sleep clinic.

      THanks again,

      Melissa

      #3; Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:01:00 GMT
    • Another symptom is drowsiness during the daytime. The nighttime sleep is interrupted due to the breathing difficulties, so he doesn't get enough restful sleep.

      My husband said that since he has been using the CPAP to treat the apnea that he doesn't get sleepy during his commute. I'm sure the rest of the drivers on the road are grateful.

      #4; Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:02:00 GMT