Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea is disturbed breathing during sleep. Symptoms can range from mild to serious, with some people even experiencing episodes of not breathing for up to 90 seconds. Repeated nightly disruptions can cause you to wake up and leave you feeling sleepy throughout the day. Aside from affecting your sleep, sleep apnea may also cause a strain on your heart and lungs and elevated blood pressure.

Learn more about sleep apnea symptoms and factors and how they can affect your lifestyle.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

There are many sleep apnea symptoms. Ask yourself if you have the following:

• Frequent stops in breathing during sleep
• Non-refreshing sleep, very sleepy during the day
• Snoring
• High blood pressure
• Headaches in the morning
• Trouble concentrating
• Nighttime sweats
• Low libido

These symptoms may be signs of sleep apnea. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about any of the above symptoms.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

Sleep apnea can affect your daily life and can cause many side effects due to a lack of proper sleep. If you have sleep apnea, you might experience one or more of the following:

• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Excessive perspiring during sleep
• Frequent trips to the bathroom at night
• Heartburn
• Increased irritability
• Insomnia
• Less able to handle stress
• Low energy level
• Morning headaches
• Low libido
• Short-term memory loss

How Can Sleep Apnea Affect My Lifestyle?

When you don’t get enough sleep, it can start to affect your mood and other aspects of your health. Sleep apnea can have many consequences for your safety and health, including:

• Accidents due to sleepiness
• Heart attacks
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Impotence
• Stroke

Our sleep medicine specialists are here to help you take control of your sleep apnea and get the night’s rest you need. Talk to your doctor today if you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea.