Sleep apnea symptoms

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Has anyone told you that you snore loudly or occasionally gasp for air during sleep? Perhaps they've observed that you sometimes stop breathing at night.

These are typical indicators of obstructive sleep apnea. Since it occurs while you're asleep, you might be unaware of having sleep apnea. If you have central sleep apnea, you might not snore at all and will need to recognize other signs and symptoms to identify the issue.

Symptoms for obstructive sleep apnea

The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are:

  • Snoring

  • Constant daytime fatigue

  • Gasping for breath or paused breathing during sleep

  • Trouble concentrating and remembering things

  • Restless sleep or insomnia

  • Impotence and reduced sex drive

  • Frequent nighttime urination

  • Mood swings

  • Night sweats

  • Weight gain

  • Waking up with a dry, sore throat

  • High blood pressure

  • Morning headaches

While these symptoms can indicate sleep apnea, it's difficult to determine the severity—whether mild, moderate, or severe—based solely on symptoms.

Central sleep apnea symptoms

  • Waking up suddenly feeling breathless
  • Shortness of breath that is relieved by sitting up
  • Insomnia, with difficulty staying asleep
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Chest pain at night
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Morning headaches
  • Difficulty exercising

Sleep apnea treatment

Treatment options for sleep apnea vary depending on its type and severity. For mild obstructive sleep apnea, lifestyle changes and regular monitoring may effectively manage the condition. In cases of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, as well as central sleep apnea, treatment is typically recommended and can be highly beneficial. Exploring various treatment options and understanding how they work can help improve sleep quality and overall health.

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