Sleep apnea symptoms include waking frequently during the night, breathing pauses while asleep, loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty breathing through the nose that leads to mouth breathing. This common condition occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep, increasing health risks if untreated. If you notice these signs, seek a proper sleep study and treatment early. Find effective CPAP machines, masks, and expert support to manage sleep apnea at CPAP Discount Warehouse start your journey to better sleep today.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. People who snore loudly and feel tired even after a full night’s rest may be affected by this condition. There are three main types of sleep apnea:
+ Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): the most common type, occurring when throat muscles relax and block airflow to the lungs.
+ Central sleep apnea (CSA): develops when the brain fails to send correct signals to the breathing muscles.
+ Complex sleep apnea (CompSA): occurs when OSA, confirmed through a sleep study, shifts to CSA during therapy for OSA.
If you suspect sleep apnea, consult a qualified health care provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can relieve symptoms and help reduce the risk of heart disease and other serious complications.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?
Obstructive and central sleep apnea often share similar symptoms. A medical diagnosis is required for this condition, which is characterised by loud snoring and persistent tiredness even after a full night’s sleep. People may experience a range of symptoms:
Sleep-related issues:
+ Excessive daytime sleepiness
+ Insomnia
+ Nightmares
+ Sleep deprivation
+ Snoring
Respiratory symptoms:
+ Episodes of no breathing
+ Breathing through the mouth
+ Loud breathing
Other common signs include:
+ Depression
+ Dry mouth
+ Dry throat
+ Fatigue
+ Headache
+ Irritability
+ Mood swings
+ Weight gain
Sleep apnea symptoms range from mild to severe, with the primary indicators in all cases being disrupted sleep and resulting daytime fatigue, irritability, and poor concentration. Severe symptoms also include frequent, prolonged cessations of breathing and significantly decreased oxygen levels, potentially leading to high blood pressure and increased risk of accidents. Symptoms are best categorized by the AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) and severity of resulting impairments, but are not directly tied to specific symptom categories.
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Central sleep apnea vs Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms
Obstructive sleep apnea symptoms
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common condition where airflow is blocked during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing and reduced blood oxygen levels. Its symptoms can manifest both while awake and asleep.
A medical diagnosis is required, with key symptoms including snoring and daytime sleepiness. People may experience:
+ Sleep: excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, gasping during sleep, or insomnia
+ Respiratory: episodes of no breathing, breathing through the mouth, loud breathing, or shortness of breath
+ Behavioural: hyperactivity or irritability
+ Urinary: bed wetting or excessive urination at night
+ Also common: fatigue, depression, dry mouth, headache, lack of concentration, memory loss, reduced sex drive, sore throat, or teeth grinding
Central sleep apnea symptoms
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the respiratory muscles, resulting in pauses in breathing. Its specific symptoms include:
You may notice most central sleep apnea (CSA) symptoms while awake. The following are common signs linked to CSA:
+ Daytime sleepiness
+ Severe morning headaches
+ Dry mouth
+ Irritability
+ Trouble concentrating
If you have CSA, you may also wake suddenly during the night without a clear reason. People you live with might observe that you are restless or move frequently while sleeping.
Complex sleep apnea symptoms
Complex sleep apnea can present differently from person to person. Some individuals may experience multiple symptoms, while others may have none. Unlike OSA, snoring is not typically a common symptom of complex sleep apnea. Symptoms of complex sleep apnea may include:
+ Excessive daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
+ A sense of poor or unrefreshing sleep quality.
+ Frequent awakenings during the night.
+ Morning headaches.
+ Chest pain or discomfort.
+ Difficulty concentrating.
+ Mood changes.
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FAQs
What are sleep apnea symptoms in women?
Sleep apnea symptoms in women may include classic signs such as loud snoring, gasping during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness. However, women often experience more subtle and less recognised symptoms, including morning headaches, insomnia, irritability, depression, dry mouth, and restless legs. These less obvious symptoms can contribute to underdiagnosis, as they are sometimes misattributed to other conditions or overlooked.
Can sleep apnea cause adhd like symptoms?
It is estimated that about one-third of people with ADHD may also have sleep apnea. Poor sleep quality can cause symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and irritability, which resemble ADHD. As a result, individuals with sleep apnea are sometimes misdiagnosed as having ADHD.
Is dry mouth a symptom of sleep apnea?
Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is sometimes linked to sleep apnea. Research indicates that more than 30% of people with OSA experience dry mouth upon waking in the morning.
What are the most common signs of sleep apnea in children?
Obstructive sleep apnea affects an estimated 1% to 5% of children across all age groups, including babies, infants, toddlers, adolescents, and teenagers. It is most commonly diagnosed in children between 2 and 6 years of age.
Can you have sleep apnea symptoms while awake?
Although sleep apnea is often considered a sleep-related condition, breathing interruptions can also occur while awake, which may impact heart health, cognitive function, and energy levels. If you or someone you know notices these symptoms, seek advice from a qualified healthcare provider without delay.
