Symptoms of sleep apnea occur only when you are asleep, so it is difficult to recognize sleep apnea on your own. However, you should not ignore these symptoms since there are many complications if you don’t treat them on time.
The most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in adults include:
- Loud and chronic snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Breathing cessation during sleep
- Choking and gasping during sleep
- Morning headaches
- Feeling tired and difficulty in performing daily work
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Difficulty staying asleep or nighttime awakenings (Insomnia)
- Irritability, depression and mood swings
- Frequent visits to the bathroom at night
- Having problems with memory, concentration, and attention
- Getting chest pain and sweating while sleeping
Loud snoring: The most common symptom of sleep apnea is loud snoring. But, many people do not think snoring as a symptom that can be dangerous. Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. But, it is better to consult a doctor if you experience loud snoring.
Problem in breathing: Apart from loud snoring, if you experience shortness of breath, breathing cessation or excessive daytime sleepiness, consult a doctor and explain your symptoms.
There are many complications of sleep apnea if not treated in time. Hypertension, heart failure, insulin resistance, and sometimes even death can occur with untreated sleep apnea.