Sleep apnea symptoms are linked to many health problems. But it’s often misdiagnosed because symptoms are hard to pin down. The most common are snoring loud enough to disrupt the sleep of others, choking or gasping sensations while breathing during sleep, and feeling excessively tired during the day. People with severe obstructive sleep apnea may develop high blood pressure or heart problems, and may also have a hard time controlling their diabetes and high cholesterol.

Other signs of sleep apnea include having a dry mouth or sore throat in the morning, and feeling irritable or moody. A partner or family member is usually the first person to notice these signs.

Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms and When to Seek Treatment

In addition, some people with obstructive sleep apnea have headaches that are felt on both sides of their head, and last for hours. These headaches can make it difficult to go back to sleep. Others may experience bedwetting, weight gain or problems with their memory. In children, sleep apnea can cause hyperactivity and irritability.

If you have one of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. A sleep study may be needed to diagnose the condition and determine the best treatment for you.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be treated with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, which delivers pressurized air through a mask worn during sleep. You can also try losing weight, stopping smoking, treating nasal allergies, or having surgery to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids. If these don’t work, you may need a tracheostomy, in which your surgeon creates an opening in your neck to breathe through and cover during waking hours.