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The actual symptoms of sleep apnea when it’s occurring are:

Very loud snoring
Episodes of long pauses of interrupted breathing during sleep
Possibly struggling, snorting, gasping, choking, and partially or completely awakening in an attempt to restart breathing

Symptoms that occur as a result of these episodes of sleep apnea include:

Disturbed rest
Daytime sleepiness
Problems staying alert or paying attention
Irritability
Poor memory
Difficulty learning
Decreased energy
Headache
Sexual problems
Depression
Mood swings
Anxiety
Weight gain
Hyperactivity in children
High blood pressure
Heart disease and heart attack
Stroke
Confusion
Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies

References:

American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/ .

American Sleep Apnea Association website. Available at: http://www.sleepapnea.org/ .

Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ .

Last reviewed May 2007 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

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