- Very loud snoring
- Episodes of long pauses of interrupted breathing during sleep
- Possibly struggling, snorting, gasping, choking, and partially or completely awakening in an attempt to restart breathing
Symptoms that occur as a result of these episodes of sleep apnea include:
- Disturbed rest
- Daytime sleepiness
- Problems staying alert or paying attention
- Irritability
- Poor memory
- Difficulty learning
- Decreased energy
- Headache
- Sexual problems
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Weight gain
- Hyperactivity in children
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Stroke
- Confusion
- Increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in babies
References:
American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery website. Available at: http://www.entnet.org/ .
American Sleep Apnea Association website. Available at: http://www.sleepapnea.org/ .
Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. WB Saunders Company; 2000.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ .
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed May 2007 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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