What are the signs and symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is commonly associated with daily loud snoring, but not all snorers suffer from it1. For 75% of sufferers, the first sign you have sleep apnea is when your bed partner complains about it1 or when they notice you gasping or breathing abnormally. Your bed partner is usually concerned about your abnormal breathing and has a disrupted sleep too2. This lack of sleep puts a strain on the relationship2 and has a significant impact on overall quality of life.

During the day, another common sign is the excessive daytime sleepiness such as feeling tired in the morning after a full night’s sleep or wanting to doze during the day2

Other symptoms:

In addition, other common symptoms of sleep apnea include3:

  • Unrefreshing or restless sleep

  • Insomnia

  • Waking up with a headache

  • Poor concentration & Memory loss

  • Lack of energy

  • Irritability

  • Repeated trips to the toilet in the night

  • Decreased sexual desire, difficulty maintaining an erection

Have you experienced some of these symptoms?

References

1 Sleep breathing disorders – European Respiratory Society White Book (chapter 23) 

2 Obstructive sleep apnoea, Sleep Health Foundation, 2011

3 American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)- Sleep disorders-Sleep Apnea, Consulted 08/12/2021@https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea

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