Sleep apnea symptoms can not only explain why you don't feel rested when you wake up, but also alert you to a potential serious medical issue. Sleep apnea is characterized by complete or partial blocking of the upper airway, causing irregular breathing that can wake you up throughout the night. The condition is associated with adverse effects like high blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, so it's important to diagnose it properly if you think you may have it.
Snoring
If a loved one complains that you snore, there might be something more to it than just an annoying habit. It may be a sleep apnea symptom.
Gasping
If you have sleep apnea, you can wake up during the night gasping for air since your airway is blocked. You may wake up either feeling like you are gasping or choking.
Sleepiness
If you're constantly feeling tired and sleepy during the day, this could be an indication that your sleep is being disrupted.
Mood Changes
Due to the lack of restorative sleep, other obstructive sleep apnea symptoms include moodiness, forgetfulness and even a decreased interest in sex.
Headaches
If you wake up in the morning with a headache, a sleep disorder could be to blame.
Sore Throat
A very dry or very sore throat can result from all the gasping for air that sleep apnea causes during the night. If you often wake up with sore throats, it could be a red flag.
Insomnia
Even though sleep apnea represents your body trying to send you a message, you might not realize what that message is. Many people mistake sleep apnea with simple difficulty sleeping. If your sleep quality or quantity has recently changed, be aware that something more serious than a little insomnia could be at work.
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