Symptoms of Sleep Apnea You Might Notice

So, what are some of the symptoms that might prompt a sleep test?  Sleep apnea occurs while you’re sleeping, but there are still plenty of warning signs.  Here are some of the symptoms you might recognize:

  • Daytime sleepiness, including:
    • Falling asleep when you’re inactive
    • Falling asleep during mundane activities (work, driving, watching TV, etc.)
    • Waking unrested despite a long sleep
  • Morning headache
  • Dry mouth in the morning
  • Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Waking up to urinate often at night
  • Waking up gasping for breath
  • Nightmares
  • Decreased sexual desire and/or sexual dysfunction
  • Weight gain or inability to lose weight despite diet changes and exercise

Daytime sleepiness is one of the most common and noticeable sleep apnea symptoms. Many people brush this symptom off because everyone is tired and sleepy. However, you should consider sleep apnea as a possible cause if sitting down for a few minutes causes you to fall asleep or if you fall asleep at work or while driving. Many people with sleep apnea complain that they can never seem to get enough sleep, no matter how long they spend in bed. If that describes your situation, you should be tested for sleep apnea.

People with sleep apnea often wake up with a headache or dry mouth. The headache might be linked to oxygen deprivation or teeth clenching during sleep. A dry mouth is usually a symptom of breathing with your mouth open.

You might think you’re getting enough sleep, but you are inexplicably moody, irritable, or depressed. This might be because you’re not getting truly restful sleep at night.

Lack of sleep can also make it hard for you to concentrate and can affect your memory.

People with sleep apnea may wake up often to urinate. Called nocturia, this can be due to a complicated disruption in the way your body processes urine during sleep.

Poor sleep and cardiovascular problems linked to sleep apnea can have a significant impact on your sexual function. You might have less sexual desire, may experience erectile dysfunction, or experience decreased sexual pleasure.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Your Partner Might Notice

If you have a partner who sleeps with you, they may notice (and complain about) some symptoms of sleep apnea. These are primarily symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. Almost everyone with sleep apnea has this type, in which your upper airway collapses, cutting off your air supply. In central sleep apnea, your brain stops telling your body to breathe.

Consider getting a sleep study if your partner mentions:

  • Loud snoring
  • Gasping or choking sound at night
  • Pauses in your breathing
  • Restless or noisy sleep

Loud snoring is one of the most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The louder you snore, the more likely you are to have sleep apnea. Gasping and choking are also common in obstructive sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea pauses may be quiet and almost peaceful.

Medical Diagnoses (and Misdiagnoses) Linked to Sleep Apnea

Another way to know you are at elevated risk of obstructive sleep apnea is if your doctor has diagnosed you with medical conditions linked to sleep apnea, such as:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Migraines
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Depression

High blood pressure (hypertension) is strongly linked to sleep apnea. The link is especially strong if you are taking blood pressure medications but your condition isn’t improving. Sleep apnea can increase the risk of heart disease in multiple forms, which increases your risk of cardiovascular death.

Doctors don’t always understand sleep apnea symptoms. It’s not uncommon for people with sleep apnea to be diagnosed with a different condition, such as:

  • Low testosterone
  • Thyroid problems
  • Depression
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Insomnia

All of these diagnoses might be related to sleep apnea, and sometimes, the problems will resolve themselves when the apnea is treated.

Sleep Apnea Diagnosis in Omaha

If you or someone you know experiences any of the symptoms of sleep apnea listed above, a sleep test is necessary. We work with a Board Certified Sleep Physician to receive a sleep apnea diagnosis. Best of all, you will take your sleep test in the comfort of your own bed and not have to visit a sleep lab. After receiving your diagnosis, we will help you explore the different sleep apnea treatment options available to determine the best one for your needs.

To start the sleep apnea diagnosis process, call our office at (402) 493-4175.