Health Information

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

The more you know about your health, the better prepared you are to make informed healthcare decisions. Our health library gives you the information you need to take charge of your health.

Back
Main Page Risk Factors Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Screening Reducing Your Risk Talking to Your Doctor Living With Sleep Apnea Resource Guide

The symptoms of sleep apnea when it’s occurring include:

  • Very loud snoring
  • Episodes of long pauses of interrupted breathing during sleep
  • Possibly struggling, snorting, gasping, choking, and partially or completely awakening in an attempt to restart breathing

Symptoms that occur as a result of these episodes of sleep apnea include:

  • Disturbed rest
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Problems staying alert or paying attention
  • Irritability
  • Poor memory
  • Difficulty learning
  • Decreased energy
  • Headache
  • Sexual problems
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Weight gain
  • Hyperactivity in children
  • Confusion

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.

References

  • Being evaluated for sleep apnea. American Sleep Apnea Association website. Available at: http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/pubs/evaluated.html . Published May 2005. Accessed September 17, 2008.

  • Fact sheet: pediatric sleep disordered breathing/obstructive sleep apnea. American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/Could-Child-Have-Sleep-Apnea.cfm . Updated November 15, 2011. Accessed June 3, 2013.

  • NINDS sleep apnea information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/sleep%5Fapnea/sleep%5Fapnea.htm . Updated December 28, 2010. Accessed June 3, 2013.

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated May 23, 2013. Accessed June 3, 2013.

  • What is sleep apnea? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/SleepApnea/SleepApnea%5FSummary.html . Updated July 10, 2012. Accessed June 3, 2013.

Health Encyclopedia view all topics

(305) 285-2929