Reasons of fatigue syndrome
What is fatigue syndrome? Fatigue syndrome is another common problem for people with sleep apnea. Fatigue is different from sleepiness. Rather than a desire to go to sleep, fatigue is a sense of feeling exhausted, drained. People with sleep apnea typically feel fatigued much of the time. Often, causes of fatigue is that their apnea has been present for years and has gotten progressively worse, they are not even aware that they are more tired than normal. Or they assume that their fatigue is simply a normal sign of aging.
Again, as with drowsiness, a constant feeling of exhaustion is not normal. Exhaustion is not an inevitable sign of age. A person feeling fatigued much of the time probably has a medical problem. It may or may not be sleep apnea. But a physician should certainly consider sleep apnea as a possible cause of fatigue syndrome, and refer a chronically fatigued patient to a sleep clinic for testing.
Symptoms of fatigue syndrome:
– weakness,
– lack of energy,
– constantly tired or exhausted,
– lack of motivation,
– difficulty concentrating, and/or
– difficulty starting and completing tasks.
Mr. Bell’s wife pleaded with him to see a doctor about his gasping and irregular breathing during sleep. But Mr. Bell was in excellent physical condition, and at the age of 46 could outrun much younger men in 10- kilometer races. He had seen a TV show about sleep problems and knew that some apnea and snoring can be normal, so he ignored his wife’s request.
A life insurance company reviewed Mr. Bell’s medical records and noticed that the doctor’s note suggested “possible sleep apnea,” so they denied him insurance. Mr. Bell went to a sleep center, hoping to prove he was in perfect health. Instead he learned that, in fact, he had moderately severe apnea.
Mr. Bell received treatment for his sleep apnea, and a follow-up study of his sleep showed an excellent response. His insurance application was approved, which pleased him; in addition, Mr. Bell realized that he felt much better. He was amazed that he had not noticed the signs of sleep apnea before treatment.
The moral of Mr. Bell’s story is clear: if your bedmate thinks you have sleep apnea, he is probably right, even if you don’t feel ill. Some people can tolerate very significant amounts of sleep apnea without being aware of it. Apparently, they do not notice a deterioration in the quality of their sleep or their daytime alertness, nor are they bothered by “insomnia” or fatigue syndrome. Mr. Bell is typical of former sleep apnea patients after treatment—they are astonished at feeling so much more wide-awake, energetic, and alive!