Sleep apnea is a serious condition in which breathing starts and stops while you are sleeping. According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two main types: obstructive and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the collapse of throat muscles when you are sleeping. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain does not send the proper signals to the muscles in your throat that control breathing. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause heart problems, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
Snoring
According to the Mayo Clinic, loud snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. This occurs because the muscles in your throat are weak and flap back and forth when you are breathing. In addition, loud snoring may progress to breathing cessation during sleep if these muscles collapse and close your airway (breathing tube). If you know that you are a loud snorer, you may have sleep apnea.
Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive fatigue during the day is also a common symptom of sleep apnea, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may be irritable, fall asleep often at work or have reduced motivation to complete activities. Daytime sleepiness may occur because you are awakened multiple times during the night as a result of cessation in breathing. If you are getting a healthy amount of sleep but are still experiencing daytime sleepiness, alert your doctor.
Morning Headache
A headache when you wake up is common if you have sleep apnea, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because headaches have many causes, it is important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment from you doctor if you are experiencing this symptom.
