Sleep Apnea Symptoms

If you can tick more than half of these boxes, maybe you should see your doctor.

He/she may have a list of conditions to test for to determine the problem, and apnea may be way down the list. Once you have read through these descriptions, you will see there may be a few signs you didn't think of.

The hallmark symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in adults is excessive daytime sleepiness.

Typically, an adult or adolescent with severe long-standing obstructive sleep apnea will fall asleep for brief periods during usual daytime activities or whenever he or she rests.

This behavior may be quite dramatic, sometimes happening during conversations with others at social gatherings, during lectures or meetings.

These catnaps happen even though you've had 7-9 hours of sleep, which would seem to be plenty, except that it is not 'good' sleep.

It's also of course quite embarrassing, especially if you snore which is common. I also used to sleep Sundays away, and then sleep all night too. It was very boring for everyone else.

Loud snoring is an indication of poor airflow to the lungs, due to narrowed nose or throat passages.

Everyone who snores does not have apnea, but if you do suffer from apnea you will most likely snore heavily, (with periods of silence followed by gasps, choking or snorting), and wake up with a sore or dry throat.

Choking or gasping and trembling on waking up often at night, sometimes in distress, is common.

Some people are not even aware of waking up. When your body experiences this loss of oxygen, it releases adrenalin to solve the problem.

The repeated rush of adrenalin then gives you a headache, raises blood pressure, and gives rise to the urge to urinate frequently. All this contributes to disruption of your rest.

Lots of people who have sleep apnea don't know they have it because obviously it only occurs during sleep, and perhaps they don't wake properly.

Sometimes the only way you know is if someone is there when you are asleep, and notices the disrupted pattern of your breathing.

Among other sleep apnea symptoms, you may be forgetful and irritable with sudden moods swings, and decreased sexual drive, due to the fatigue you are experiencing.

Sleep deprivation leads to limited attention span and poor concentration and makes for poor work performance and dangerous driving.

It has been said that apnea sufferers are three times more likely to have driving or work-related accidents.

Apnea is often misdiagnosed. It's hard to explain to a doctor that you're tired all the time without some background.

Doctors usually diagnose sleep apnea based on your medical and family histories, a physical exam, and results from sleep studies.

A sleep study is the best way to be sure of a diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It's not invasive or uncomfortable and is a valuable tool for diagnosis.

Home screening is much more convenient and inexpensive, but some of the methods are not as informative.

The symptoms of sleep apnea can be present in mild to severe forms, as the intensity of the condition varies. There is an Epstein Sleepiness Scale and a Sleep Apnea Clinical Score which can quantify the severity of the condition.

Consider the long-term effects of starving your brain and body of oxygen. Your relationships, work and health can be improved if you take control of the syndrome and see your doctor.

Summary of sleep apnea symptoms: Daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, gasping or snorting on frequent waking during the night, many night trips to the toilet, headaches, poor concentration, forgetfulness, irritability, low sex drive, constant fatigue.

Although each of the signs may apply to large groups of people, together they are a good indication to check it out. I hope this helps you to present your sleep apnea symptoms clearly and in full to your doctor, so he can proceed properly.

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