Posted by BC on October 16, 2009 at 11:46:07:In Reply to: Re: wondering if I have sleep apnea? posted by SouthernGal on October 16, 2009 at 07:02:48:
Sleep apnea is related to a lot of different things, such as whether you have a certain facial structure, are overweight, and even some lifestyle choices (e.g., alcohol makes it worse). Some people fit a "typical" profile for apnea, but many have apnea without fitting the profile. You can inherit some body characteristics that will make you more likely to have apnea, but you can have apnea anyway.
If your husband has sleep problems, that could affect you. Perhaps you could find a reason to spend a night with a friend and see how you feel afterwards? If you are seriously sleep deprived, one night won't be enough to make up the deficit, but it might help you to figure out how much you are being affected by your husband's sleep. Does your husband seem well rested? Snoring can be a sign of apnea, but not everyone who snores has apnea. He might also have other sleep issues; he shouldn't be jerking in his sleep.
Apnea increases the risk of heart disease, so it is a long-term health issue as well. It is worth addressing it if either of you have it.
It seems that you have enough reasons to see a doctor on your own. Possibly your husband would be influenced by your example.
By the way, I have a friend who has memory problems due to stress. When one part of the body suffers, the rest gets affected as well. Only a doctor can determine the source, but I think there is a good chance the memory problems will go away once you find the source.