Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

Loud snoring, feeling tired during the day, and morning headaches are key warning signs of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is far more common than most people realize, and many cases go undiagnosed for years. Knowing the signs is the first step toward a diagnosis and treatment that works.

What are the warning signs of sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea doesn't always show up in obvious ways. Here are the signs that sleep specialists look for:

• Loud, constant snoring — Especially if it's loud enough to hear through walls or bothers your bed partner.
• Breathing pauses others see — Your partner notices you stop breathing, then gasp or choke.
• Too much daytime sleepiness — Falling asleep during meetings, while driving, or during quiet activities.
• Morning headaches — Waking up with a dull headache that fades during the day.
• Dry mouth or sore throat — Waking up with a very dry mouth or scratchy throat.
• Trouble focusing — Brain fog, forgetting things, and trouble focusing at work.
• Mood changes — Feeling cranky, depressed, or anxious without another clear cause.
• Peeing often at night — Getting up many times a night to use the bathroom.
• Restless sleep — Tossing and turning, tangled sheets, or waking up in unusual positions.
• Night sweats — Waking up soaked in sweat without an obvious cause.

Why do people miss these signs?

Many people brush off these symptoms as "normal aging," stress, or just being a loud snorer. Others don't notice a problem because the symptoms build slowly over months or years.

People also often underrate how sleepy they are during the day. They have forgotten what it feels like to be truly well-rested.

Who is at higher risk?

You're at higher risk for sleep apnea if you have:

• Obesity — A BMI (a measure of weight for height) over 30.
• A large neck — A neck size greater than 17 inches for men or 16 inches for women.
• Family history — Family members with sleep apnea.
• High blood pressure — Also called hypertension.
• Type 2 diabetes — A long-term illness with high blood sugar.
• Smoking or drinking — A history of smoking or heavy alcohol use.
• Stuffy nose — Long-lasting nasal congestion.

How is sleep apnea diagnosed?

A sleep study is needed for an accurate diagnosis. If you notice several warning signs, the next step is to see a sleep medicine specialist. Your doctor will review your symptoms and may suggest a sleep study.

This can be an overnight in-lab polysomnography (a sleep study in a lab) or a home sleep apnea test. It shows whether you have sleep apnea and how severe it is.

Sleep doctors often use a simple quiz called the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to check daytime sleepiness. It asks how likely you are to doze off in eight different situations. Examples are sitting and reading, watching TV, or riding as a passenger in a car. A score above 10 suggests real sleepiness that should be checked.

What happens if you don't get tested?

Ignoring the signs of sleep apnea can have serious effects:

• Heart and brain — Higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
• Blood pressure — High blood pressure that is not under control.
• Blood sugar — Worse diabetes and metabolic syndrome (a group of problems such as high blood sugar and belly fat).
• Driving — Higher risk of car crashes.
• Relationships — Strain at home due to loud snoring.
• Daily life — Lower quality of life and getting less done.

Can sleep apnea be treated?

Yes. Sleep apnea is very treatable. Many patients say they feel like a completely different person after starting treatment. Treatment greatly improves energy, health, and quality of life.

Options include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, Inspire therapy, and lifestyle changes. Your sleep specialist will work with you to find the treatment that fits your needs and lifestyle.

What are common myths about sleep apnea?

Myth: Only old, overweight men get sleep apnea.

Fact: Sleep apnea affects people of all ages, genders, and body types. Women, young adults, and even children can have sleep apnea.

Myth: If I don't snore, I can't have sleep apnea.

Fact: Snoring is the most common symptom, but some people with sleep apnea don't snore at all. Daytime tiredness and other symptoms may be the main clues.