What Are Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent loud snoring. However, not everyone who snores has sleep apnea and not everyone with sleep apnea snores.
- Daytime sleepiness which may result in difficulty focusing and falling asleep during the day, potentially while driving.
- Pauses in breathing: If you have sleep apnea you may wake up suddenly with jerking body movements after these breathing pauses, often gasping and choking. If you share a bed with someone, they may notice these noises and movements.
- Difficulties with memory and concentration
- Unusual moodiness or irritability
- Frequently waking up to urinate at night
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth
- Erectile dysfunction and decreased libido
How Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed
To help diagnose if you have sleep apnea your healthcare provider will look at the following:
When to See Your Doctor About Sleep Apnea
Reviewed and approved by the American Lung Association Scientific and Medical Editorial Review Panel.
Page last updated: June 7, 2024