Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea symptoms can include loud, persistent snoring that interferes with your or your partner’s ability to get restful sleep. Other signs are breathing pauses (apnoeas) during sleep, feeling exhausted or irritable during the day, and forgetfulness or changes in mood. Some people also report a feeling of being choked or gasping when they awaken during the night. The most common type of sleep apnea is called obstructive sleep apnea, and it occurs when your throat muscles relax too much during sleep and block your airway, lowering oxygen levels in the blood. Some factors that can contribute to this type of apnea include being overweight, having enlarged tonsils or adenoids, having a thick neck, or using certain medications or health conditions, like diabetes or hard-to-control high blood pressure or heart failure.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms: How to Recognize and Treat This Condition

Another sign of sleep apnea is a dry mouth or sore throat. Many people who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea also have recurring headaches or a stiff or painful jaw or develop a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder, which causes problems with the jaw muscles. People who grind or clench their teeth while they’re sleeping, a practice called bruxism, also have a higher risk of developing this condition.

People who snore heavily and have other symptoms of sleep apnea should see a doctor for an evaluation. The doctor can help identify the cause of the snoring and recommend treatment, including losing weight, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol, sleeping on a different side, and wearing looser-fitting clothing to sleep in.