Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, and being sleepy during the day. These symptoms can lead to more detrimental effects, such as depression, irritability, and memory problems. People with severe sleep apnea symptoms are more likely to experience potentially harmful effects as a result.

Sleep Apnea Information

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The most common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Loud snoring
Choking or gasping during sleep
Fighting sleepiness during the day, even at work or while driving.

Your family members may notice these possible sleep apnea symptoms before you do. Most likely, you will not otherwise notice that you have problems breathing while asleep.

Other Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Other symptoms of sleep apnea may include:

Morning headaches
Memory or learning problems
Feeling irritable
An inability 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 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 this condition.