Sleep Apnea - Symptoms - Better Medicine

What are the symptoms of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea causes frequent drops in your oxygen level, and reduced sleep quality triggers the release of stress hormones. This raises your heart rate and increases your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Common symptoms of sleep apnea

You may experience sleep apnea symptoms daily or just once in a while. At times, any of these sleep symptoms can be severe:

Depression

Dryness in your throat when you wake up

Irritability

Memory problems

Mood swings

Morning headaches

Snoring that can be loud and persistent

Urination at night

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, sleep apnea can be life threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms:

Chest pain or pressure

Difficulty breathing

Profuse sweating

Numbness on one side of the body

Weakness (loss of strength) on one side of the body

INTRODUCTION

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is the name of a common disease characterized by interruption of breathing during sleep. This interruption of breathing causes an abnormal blood oxygen level, resulting in fatigue, as well as cardiovascular, cognitive and emotional disorders.... Read more about sleep apnea introduction

CAUSES

What causes sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is the result of obstruction or irregular brain signaling. The disease is characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.... Read more about sleep apnea causes

TREATMENTS

How is sleep apnea treated?

Treatment for sleep apnea begins with seeking medical care from your health care provider. To determine if you have sleep apnea, your health care provider will ask you to undergo diagnostic testing.... Read more about sleep apnea treatments