Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan asked 124 patients the following two questions: Does your bed-partner ever poke or elbow you because you’re snoring? and Does your bed-partner ever poke or elbow you because you’ve stopped breathing? Those who answered “yes” to either or both questions were more likely to fall higher on the sleep apnea index, indicating at least mild sleep apnea, than those who answered “no.” Researchers think the so-called elbow test has potential to predict whether a person may have sleep apnea before they go in for a polysomnogram, the diagnostic test for sleep disorders. MORE: Do You Need A Sleep Apnea Test? Sleep apnea is no joke, to say the least. Besides the whole “stop breathing in the middle of the night” thing—which is plenty scary—it was recently named as a cause of high blood pressure in women. And, statistics show about 80% of people with sleep apnea don’t know they have it. In addition to snoring so loudly that you get poked, sleep apnea has other symptoms, particularly in women, which can be more subtle. If you experience the following, ask your doctor if sleep problems may be to blame.
Low energy or fatigue, even if you’ve slept a full 7 or 8 hoursMemory lapses or inability to concentrateMorning headachesWaking up with a sore or dry throatIrritability and mood swingsDepression
MORE: 7 Reasons You’re Tired All The Time
