Sleep apnea is a potentially serious condition that occurs when your breathing involuntarily stops and starts while you sleep.^1,2

There are several types of sleep apnea. The most common is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition happens when your upper airway is blocked by soft tissue that collapses when the muscles in your throat relax during sleep.^1,2

So, what are the sleep apnea warning signs? If you have sleep apnea, you may wake up feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep. You can feel so fatigued throughout the day that you may have difficulty concentrating or even fall asleep unintentionally. This can put you at risk of accidents when driving or using machinery.^1,3

Other symptoms of sleep apnea include:^1,4,5

• loud snoring  
• choking sensations during sleep 
• pauses in breath during sleep called apneas/hypopneas (often noticed by a partner)
• restless sleep 
• memory loss or decreased concentration during the day 
• decreased libido 
• morning headaches or irritability

You don’t have to have had all these symptoms to be experiencing sleep apnea. Consult your doctor if you or your partner have noticed a few of these issues or you are worried about the quality of sleep.   

The content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for the medical advice of one’s healthcare provider.