Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms
Obstructive sleep apnea may occur in men, women and children of any age but is most common in those over the age of 35. OSA is eight times more likely to occur in men, which some experts say may be attributed to underreporting in women.
Common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Excessive daytime sleepiness — OSA sufferers may often fall asleep easily during passive activities and in severe cases while at work, on the phone or even while driving.
- Loud, disruptive snoring or nocturnal pauses in breathing (Click here for example) — Snoring usually interferes with the bed partner’s sleep.
- Gasping or choking for air during sleep — Obstructive sleep apnea sufferers might appear to experience an apparent struggle to breathe.
- Restless sleep — Body movements often accompany awakening at the end of an apneic episode.
- Depression and irritability — OSA sufferers experience noticeable problems while performing daily activities.
- Sexual dysfunction — Obstructive sleep apnea sufferers may experience a lack of sexual desire due to fatigue and even impotence in men.
- Feeling of grogginess, dullness and morning headaches — These additional symptoms are a result of poor quality of sleep.
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