Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea: What You Need to Know

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Many people remain undiagnosed because they don’t recognize the symptoms or dismiss them as simple snoring or fatigue. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

If you or a loved one is experiencing sleep apnea symptoms, call 410-832-5858 today to schedule a consultation at the Dental Sleep Clinic in Timonium, MD.

1. Loud, Persistent Snoring

One of the most recognizable signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is loud and chronic snoring. Snoring occurs when the airway becomes partially blocked, causing vibrations in the throat.

How to Tell If Your Snoring Is a Sign of Sleep Apnea:

Your snoring is extremely loud and occurs almost every night.
Your partner notices pauses in your breathing while you sleep.
You wake up gasping for air or choking.
Changing sleep positions does not reduce the snoring.

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but if snoring is accompanied by breathing interruptions, it’s time to get evaluated. Call 410-832-5858 today to learn more.

Source: American Academy of Sleep Medicine

2. Pauses in Breathing During Sleep

With sleep apnea, breathing stops multiple times per hour due to blocked airways or improper brain signals. These breathing pauses (apneas) reduce oxygen levels, triggering the body to wake up momentarily to resume breathing.

Signs That You May Be Experiencing Breathing Pauses:

Your partner or family member notices you stop breathing during sleep.
You wake up gasping or choking multiple times per night.
You experience frequent restless sleep or wake up often without knowing why.

Breathing interruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, leading to fragmented sleep and long-term health risks.

3. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)

Do you constantly feel tired, sluggish, or drowsy during the day, even after a full night’s sleep? Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea.

Symptoms of EDS Include:

Falling asleep during activities (work, driving, watching TV).
Feeling groggy, unmotivated, or irritable throughout the day.
Struggling to stay awake during meetings or conversations.
Relying on caffeine or naps to function normally.

Daytime fatigue can lead to serious risks, including car accidents, reduced work performance, and mood disorders. If sleep apnea is robbing you of energy, call 410-832-5858 for treatment options.

4. Waking Up With Headaches or Dry Mouth

Morning Headaches

Sleep apnea reduces oxygen levels in the brain, leading to morning headaches. These headaches typically:

Occur right after waking up.
Feel like pressure around the temples.
Improve within a few hours of waking.

Dry Mouth and Sore Throat

If you wake up with a dry mouth or sore throat, it could be due to mouth breathing during sleep, a common symptom of OSA.

Ways to Alleviate These Symptoms:

Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Use a humidifier to keep your airways moist.
Seek treatment for sleep apnea to improve airflow and breathing patterns.

5. Difficulty Concentrating and Memory Issues

Sleep apnea can impair cognitive function, leading to:

Forgetfulness and difficulty recalling information.
Brain fog and lack of mental clarity.
Trouble focusing on work or conversations.

These symptoms result from fragmented sleep and reduced oxygen supply to the brain, affecting memory retention, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

6. Mood Changes and Irritability

Lack of restorative sleep affects emotional well-being, often causing:

Irritability, mood swings, and increased stress.
Depression or anxiety due to chronic sleep deprivation.
Loss of interest in daily activities due to constant fatigue.

If sleep apnea is disrupting your mental health, it’s time to seek treatment. Call 410-832-5858 for expert sleep solutions.

7. High Blood Pressure and Other Health Risks

Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of serious long-term health complications, including:

High blood pressure (hypertension)
Heart disease and stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Weakened immune system

Early intervention can prevent these conditions and improve overall health. If you have high blood pressure and experience sleep disturbances, get evaluated for sleep apnea today.

Source: National Sleep Foundation

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience any of the following, it’s time to talk to a sleep specialist:

Loud, persistent snoring with breathing interruptions.
Chronic fatigue, morning headaches, or difficulty concentrating.
Mood changes, increased stress, or memory problems.
High blood pressure with unexplained sleep issues.

Early diagnosis can prevent complications and improve quality of life. Don’t ignore the warning signs—call 410-832-5858 today to schedule a sleep apnea consultation!

Final Thoughts: Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms Early

Sleep apnea is a serious but treatable condition. Recognizing the signs and symptoms early can lead to better sleep, improved health, and a higher quality of life.

If you or a loved one experiences symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or breathing interruptions, don’t wait to seek help.