Sleep Apnea Symptoms

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

The main symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring and feeling very sleepy during the day. Your bed partner may notice periods when you stop breathing during sleep. Other symptoms may include tossing and turning during sleep, waking up with a headache, and feeling irritated and unrested.

Children who have sleep apnea nearly always snore. Other symptoms may include difficulty breathing during sleep and restless sleep during which your child wakes up often. However, children may not appear to be very sleepy during the day, which is a key symptom in adults. The only symptom of sleep apnea in some children may be that they do not grow as quickly as they should for their age.

Should I worry about sleep apnea?

When you stop breathing or breathe very slowly during your sleep, it may result in less oxygen in your blood. Over time, this lack of oxygen can lead to serious health problems. If you have sleep apnea, you may be more likely to get high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood pressure in your lungs, pulmonary hypertension, abnormal heart rate, heart failure, coronary artery disease and stroke.

If you have sleep apnea, you may have difficulty concentrating and feel tired throughout the day. You may fall asleep during a conversation or while you are driving or working. You are also at higher risk for depression.

Please read the following articles to answer your questions about sleep apnea:

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Treatment
Sleep Apnea Surgery