10 Sleep Apnea Symptoms

By chelsea

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Sleep Apnea.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631
• 2. 'Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 June 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878
• 3. 'Insomnia - Symptoms, Types, Causes, and More.' Sleep Foundation, 4 Sept. 2020, www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia
• 4. 'Sleep Apnea: Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatments.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8718-sleep-apnea
• 5. 'Sleep Apnea.' National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-apnea
• 6. Team, Brain and Spine. 'Here's What Happens When You Don't Get Enough Sleep (And How Much You Really Need a Night).' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 11 Mar. 2021, health.clevelandclinic.org/happens-body-dont-get-enough-sleep/

Medical Expert

More About Us

Sleep apnea is a potentially dangerous disorder where a person repeatedly has sleep disruptions. These sleep disruptions occur when the person stops breathing for varying amounts of time while asleep.

There are three types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form, occurring when the throat muscles relax during sleep. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain doesn't send the right signals to the muscles controlling breathing. Complex sleep apnea syndrome is where both forms exist at the same time and can potentially be a life-threatening problem.¹‘Sleep Apnea.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/syc-20377631

Loud Snoring

Loud snoring is commonly associated with all forms of sleep apnea, but the two aren't mutually inclusive. People may snore without having sleep apnea. Others who do have sleep apnea may not snore.

This symptom is commonly diagnosed after another person, like a spouse or parent, notices loud snoring over several nights. Those who sleep alone may notice a sore throat, dry mouth or headache upon waking that indicates snoring. When snoring is thought to be happening regularly, a doctor may recommend a sleep study. Sleep studies may also be recommended for those who have been told they snore by others.