Sleep Apnea Symptoms

There are several types of Sleep Apnea, all are disruptive and all can cause serious medical problems.  It is important to obtain a diagnosis from a medical professional in order to treat the Sleep Apnea and alleviate the dangerous symptoms.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Not all symptoms of Sleep Apnea are noticeable by the person who experiences them.  Sometimes, symptoms are only noticed by a sleep partner.  Some of the most common Obstructive Sleep Apnea symptoms, which are noticeable by the patient include:

  • Extreme sleepiness during the day
  • Feeling unrested upon waking
  • Memory deficiencies
  • Problems concentrating
  • Feelings of exhaustion
  • Changes in personality
  • Frequent headaches in the night and day
  • Night time heartburn
  • Edema of the legs
  • Sweating during sleep
  • Chest pain during sleep
  • Loud Snoring
  • Pauses in breathing during sleep
  • Shortness of breath upon waking abruptly
  • Waking because of feelings of choking or restlessness

Sometimes of the symptoms which are less common, but still associated with Obstructive Sleep Apnea include:

  • Frequent use of the bathroom at night time
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Sore throat
  • Anxiety

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in Children

Children are rarely diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  When they do suffer from OSA, the results could be very serious.  Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children can lead to developmental delays and heart failure on the right side.

The child’s age will determine the specific Obstructive Sleep Apnea symptoms.  If the child is under 5 years old, symptoms include:

  • Snoring
  • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Frequent waking
  • Breathing through the mouth
  • If the child is 5 years of age or older, symptoms usually include:
  • Snoring
  • Wetting the bed
  • Suffering school grades
  • Behaviour problems
  • Shortened attention span
  • Delayed growth patterns

It is important to have your child carefully examined by his doctor if you suspect he is suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  A paediatric specialist should be consulted since childhood symptoms can differ from symptoms which are experienced by adults.  For example, children rarely experience daytime sleepiness which happens to be a significant symptom in adults with OSA.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms Signalling Intervention

Many people live with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and do not even realize that they have a diagnosable condition.  Sometimes, only the sleep partner of the person with the condition will notice that there may be a problem.  If any of these symptoms are noticed by you or your sleep partner, contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms:

  • Loud and disruptive snoring
  • Abrupt waking with gasping and shortness of breath
  • Pauses in breathing while sleeping
  • Extreme sleepiness during the daytime
  • Falling asleep, regularly, while doing other activities like driving, watching television, or working

There are other sleep disorders which share many of the same Obstructive Sleep Apnea symptoms.  Some of these disorders include:

  • Hypothyroidism
  • Narcolepsy
  • Restless Legs Syndrome

Many of these sleep disorders are treatable so don’t delay when seeking treatment.

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