is it sleep apnea?

[rmb34]

Hello, i am 20 years old and have snoring problems since i was little. I really didnt think anything of it untill my boyfriend started staying with me two years ago, he says that i snore loudly and it sounds like i am gasping for air in my sleep. I also wake up tired everyday, no mattter how much or how little sleep i get i am always tired. Its bad, i find myself falling asleep in class, as soon as i wake up, i want to fall asleep again. i really do not think my symptoms are normal can someone please help?

[rmb34]

thanks for the advice! i have a dr. appt sat so ill talk to her about it. maybe i can finally figure out what goin on. i got a whole other list of symptoms that are unrealated to my sleep.(no period for 3 mo., numb tingly feeling in my back, searing pain under left breast when bending over a certain way) hope i dont go in there lookin crazy! lol ever since i was sick last year it seems like ive been getting sick ALOT moe. last year ( i was in a dorm) i got strep followed by horrible mono, and while i had mono i had an abcess in my throat then 2 ear infections then an infection in my fingernail then i contracted hidradenitis suppurativa and ever since then i have not felt  right. so hopefully my dr. can tell me. ill let yall know!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

You seem to be having obstructive sleep apnea.It is a common sleep apnea caused by obstruction of the airway. It is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea include unexplained daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, and loud snoring (with periods of silence followed by gasps).

Diagnosis is by patient’s history and tests like polysomnography.Treatment depends on the cause like in adenoid hypertrophy,adenoidectomy is helpful.For maintaining pauses in breathing CPAP( continuous positive airway pressure) device is used.

I feel that you should consult a sleep specialist and get yourself evaluated.
Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep us posted on how you are doing.