I've been living under the suspicion that I have some form of sleep apnea for a few years now.  The effects go back as far as the late 90's/ early 00's. I'm 20 years old, 5'7", ~170lbs.  I agree I could lose a bit of weight but im not sure if its enough excess to be the primary cause of apnea?

Now, I have yet to obtain a diagnosis, but I'd really appreciate it if some of the SA experience people here could watch this short 2 minute video I recorded of myself sleeping. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXpgcv9iyys
This clip consists of 5 different ones, but the crossfade transition isn't always apparent.. so just remember thits isn't one full event but 5 from throughout the night.  There were many other small jerks but they all more or less were similar to these ones.

Maybe I do not have sleep apnea. During my last visit to the doctor, I didn't know what to highlight really, and I just mentioned I was tired a lot.  I will be going back to the doctor with more detailed information.  In the meantime I'd like to know what you think, and if you think this video would be important to show the doctor.  There is computer fan noise as well as crickets outside in the video so dont confuse them for sounds i'm making.  I admit the events in the video seem minor but I do have at least 1 vivid memory of waking up gasping for air.. it felt like i was drowning and I thought I was going to die.  I finally got my breath and went back to sleep. (this is not in the video, this happened some time ago and have only recently recalled it) I have been told that I sometimes snore louder than in this video too, and I've woken myself up from it before. Must just not always be the case.

Also, you can see that I'm sleeping kind of in an awkward position, but I only slept like that (on the couch) that night in order to film myself.  Usually I sleep in my bed but feel just the same waking up as I did after the night in this video.  If allowed to, I can sleep for hours on end.. 12, even so much as 16 hours I've slept before and its the same story you always here.. still felt the same as if i had only slept 4. Falling asleep everywhere I go that's slightly relaxing (bus rides, passenger in car (not while driving yet thankfully), during presentations or lectures) is also not uncommon.

I haven't felt "alive" in years, do you think pursuing a sleep study would be advisable?

Interesting video you got there.  It may or may not be sleep apnea and the irregular sounds and jerking may be an indication of it.  The only way to know for sure if it's sleep apnea is to be tested.

FYI - here is a link to one video of the American Sleep Apnea Association.  The snoring and pauses need not be as severe as this for it to be sleep apnea:
http://sleepapneafaq.wikispaces.com/Sleep+Apnea

There a number of symptoms pointing to possible sleep apnea.  People with sleep apnea may experience only a few and others experience many of them.  For example, not everyone with sleep apnea snores or snores loudly.  And not all people with the condition are overweight.  So when you talk to your doctor, you might let him know which of these descriptions fits you.  You may have only one or two of these, but they could warrant getting tested:

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Frequent cessation of breathing (apnea) during sleep. Your sleep partner may notice repeated silences from your side of the bed. (or videotaped!)

Choking or gasping during sleep to get air into the lungs

Loud snoring

Sudden awakenings to restart breathing

Waking up in a sweat during the night

Feeling unrefreshed in the morning after a night’s sleep

Headaches, sore throat, or dry mouth in the mornings after waking up

Daytime sleepiness, including falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as during driving or at work

Restless tossing and turning during sleep  

waking with an unrefreshed feeling after sleep

having problems with memory and concentration

feeling irritable and tired, and experiencing personality changes

heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth at night

in obese adults, swelling of the legs

getting up during the night to urinate

People with Sleep Apnea may exhibit onset high blood pressure, unexplained weight gain, depression and other health conditions.



Linda


_________________
The info provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use info on this website to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.

The ASAA just produced an excellent new video which has been placed on YouTube.  It is a five part series.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=BB5A884E8CF45B5D

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

I think since you have the video, take it to the dr so he can see first hand.  I can't tell in the video if you are side-lying or on your back...and do you have a pillow on top of you?!  It could be you are jerking your head back in order to clear your airway, or it could be something else, could even just be exaggerated sleep movements during REM.  But since you are not rested and tend to fall asleep during the day it is worth talking with the dr. about.  Ask him if he will do a referral for a sleep study and see what he says.