Sleep Apnea
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Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and being sleepy during the day. The symptoms of sleep apnea can lead to more detrimental effects, such as depression, irritability, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, and memory problems.

 

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are:
 
  • Loud snoring
  • Choking or gasping during sleep
  • Fighting sleepiness during the day (even at work or while driving).
     
Your family members may notice these sleep apnea symptoms before you do. Most likely, you will not otherwise notice that you have problems breathing while asleep.
 

Other Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Other symptoms of sleep apnea may include:
 
  • Morning headaches
  • Memory or learning problems
  • Feeling irritable
  • Not being able to concentrate on your work
  • Mood swings or personality changes, perhaps feeling depressed
  • Dry throat upon awaking
  • Frequent urination at night.
     

Effects of Sleep Apnea

The effects of sleep apnea range from annoying to life threatening. Detrimental effects of sleep apnea can include:
 
  • Depression
  • High blood pressure
  • Irritability
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Learning and memory problems
  • Falling asleep while at work, on the phone, or driving.
     
People with severe symptoms of sleep apnea are two to three times more likely to have automobile crashes. The risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke also increase if a person has sleep apnea.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD