Sleep Apnea Symptoms

Sleep apnea causes people to repeatedly stop breathing in their sleep for brief periods of time. Many people may not know they have sleep apnea though, since it occurs while they are sleeping. There are, however, some telltale signs that can clue you into the need to see a doctor for sleep apnea. What are they symptoms of sleep apnea?

There are 3 types of sleep apnea, but all have similar symptoms that often overlap. The important thing is to keep an eye out for these symptoms so you know when to see a doctor. A doctor can help diagnose the type of sleep apnea you have through a sleep study.

The most common symptom of sleep apnea is snoring. Not all snoring is sleep apnea, but if you are a long-term snorer, sleep apnea could be the root of this loud problem. Snoring is caused by reduced airflow through the nose, mouth and throat. This obstruction is also the cause of the most common type of sleep apnea, called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

The second most common symptom of sleep apnea is daytime fatigue. In today’s world, many of us are losing sleep to get everything done, and who hasn’t had an extra cup of coffee every once in a while as a pick-me-up? But if you feel exhausted after consistent nights of full sleep, sleep apnea could be to blame. Believe it or not, you could actually be waking up multiple times a night because of interrupted breathing, even if you don’t remember it the next morning.

On the other end of the spectrum, frequent night wakings you do remember are also a symptom of sleep apnea. Do you have insomnia at night or find yourself waking up gasping for breath? This could be a sign of Central Sleep Apnea, which is neurological. Essentially, your brain stops reminding your body to breathe. When your body gets the message again, it can lead to sudden stirring, causing you to wake up.

If you have a dry mouth or sore throat in the morning, sleep apnea could also be to blame. Sleep apnea can block the nasal passages used for breathing, making you breathe through your mouth. Other symptoms of sleep apnea include headaches, forgetfulness and fogginess, moodiness, and night sweats.

Independently, many of these symptoms can be chalked up to a wide range of problems. But if you are experiencing several of these at once, it may be a good time to talk with a doctor about the potential of sleep apnea. Call Biltmore ENT at (602) 956-1250 to schedule an appointment and make your sleep apnea symptoms a thing of the past!