You may have sleep apnea if you experience several of the following signs and symptoms:
- Loud, frequent snoring, often noticed by a bed partner
- Episodes where you stop breathing during sleep, often reported by someone else; these may be accompanied by gasping or choking sounds
- Excessive daytime sleepiness, feeling tired or drowsy during the day even after a full night's sleep, and difficulty staying awake during activities like driving or reading
- Restless or disrupted sleep, including waking up repeatedly during the night
- Morning headaches, dry mouth, sore throat, or waking up choking or gasping
- Cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, mood changes, irritability, or decreased libido
- Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
- Observations of restless movements during sleep such as kicking or jerking
If you suspect you have sleep apnea based on these symptoms, the next step is to see a doctor. They will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors (such as neck circumference, weight, age, and family history)
. A definitive diagnosis requires a sleep study (polysomnography), which monitors your breathing, oxygen levels, and other body functions during sleep
. In summary, if you or someone close to you notices loud snoring, breathing pauses, gasping during sleep, and you experience daytime sleepiness or other related symptoms, you should consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and possible sleep testing to confirm or rule out sleep apnea
