“Do I Have Sleep Apnea” Self-Assessment Quiz
Are you one of the five million Canadians with sleep apnea? If so, take our quiz to find out if you need to see a doctor about your sleeping disorder symptoms. Most of the warning signs are quite easy to recognize, you just have to know which ones to look for!
Although a lab or take-home sleep study is the only way to truly “diagnose” a sleeping disorder like obstructive sleep apnea, there are real self-assessed warning signs that you can check yourself for — or rule out — to find out if you’re at risk.
If you answer “Yes” to three or more of the following questions and suspect that you have sleep apnea, it’s worth it to get checked out as soon as possible because of the long-term effects of untreated sleep apnea.
Are You Overweight?
A higher Body Mass Index (BMI) puts us at risk of snoring and sleeping disorders. You can use this calculator by the Dietitians of Canada to quickly tabulate your numbers.
Are You Male?
Women aren’t totally in the clear when it comes to sleep apnea, but men are at a higher risk.
Are you Middle Aged?
Middle age is a significant predictor that accompanies other sleep apnea symptoms. And if you’re not sure whether you’re technically middle-aged or not, that includes all adults between 45-65 years of age.
Do You Snore?
Snoring is a common sign of sleeping disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea. Your partner might even tell you that they notice you gasping for breath in the middle of the night.
NOTE: You CAN have sleep apnea even if you do not snore.
Do You Have a Large Neck Circumference?
Having a large circumference (measurement around) your neck may mean there are excess tissues getting in the way of your airway. A neck circumference of over 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women is considered enlarged.
Do You Get Tired or Fatigued Easily?
Waking up tired or growing fatigued throughout the day are common symptoms of sleep deprivation. That’s why sleep apnea is just as dangerous as drunk driving!
Do You Get Headaches or Migraines?
You may wake up in the morning with a headache or get one later on in the day. Sleep deprivation could be the cause.
Do You Struggle with Depression?
Not getting enough sleep at night can suppress your lifestyle in more ways than one.
Are You Irritable?
If you seem to get frustrated easily or have frequent mood changes, even if you consider yourself to be a “happy” person, it can actually be a sign of a sleeping disorder.
Is Your Blood Pressure High?
Even if you’re on blood pressure medication, eat a balanced diet, and try to exercise, your sleep apnea could be the reason why you’re not seeing any improvement.
Are You Having Difficulty Remembering Things?
Memory loss is a side-effect of sleep deprivation.
Do You Have a Low Sex Drive?
We won’t ask for specifics, but if you’ve found your libido isn’t what it used to be, it could be because of how tired you are.
Have You Ever Had a Heart Attack or Stroke?
If you have cardiovascular disease or are at risk for it, the strain that sleep apnea puts your body through could actually be jeopardizing your life!
Is Your Jaw Sore?
When you stop breathing, your jaw naturally starts tightening up and grinding your teeth together. You might even start to wear bite-lines across the sides of your tongue. If you have TMJ disorder, flat teeth, or headaches from clenching and grinding, it’s important to rule out a sleeping disorder as the cause.
How to Get Help With Sleep Apnea in Sarnia, Ontario
At Dr Karen Davis Dentistry in Sarnia, we’ll walk through your medical history and perform a thorough head and neck exam to screen for other signs and symptoms of sleep apnea. If a disorder is suspected, we’ll guide you through the next steps to take.
Your evaluation can be scheduled independently, or we’ll complete one alongside your routine exam and checkup.
What Treatments Are There for Sleep Apnea?
Most people are familiar with CPAP machines designed to force oxygen straight into your airway while you sleep. But for a less cumbersome and more discreet solution, a custom dental sleep guard can position your lower jaw so that your upper airway is naturally enlarged, optimizing air flow while you sleep. Oral sleep appliances can only be made by your dentist!
Know When to See a Doctor
Asking your doctor or dentist about sleep apnea treatment could save your life! Call our Sarnia practice today to reserve your complimentary consultation with Dr. Karen Davis!
