Many people experience symptoms such as daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, or frequent awakenings without realizing these could be signs of a serious condition like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). As patients, we often understand how we feel, but may not know which health issue is linked to these physical experiences. Without clarity, we may be unsure whom to consult — our primary care provider, a specialist, or no one at all — and ultimately delay getting the right help.
To help you identify if OSA could be the cause of your symptoms, this article breaks down the most common indicators so that you can take the next step toward better health.
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Fatigue
One of the hallmark signs of sleep apnea is excessive daytime sleepiness, which is often described as “fatigue,” “low energy,” or “poor focus.” Individuals with OSA may find themselves falling asleep during passive activities, such as while sitting in meetings, watching television, or even stopped at a traffic light.
People often resort to drinking large amounts of coffee just to stay awake and get through the day. If you consistently feel unrefreshed upon waking or experience sudden sleepiness in quiet settings, it could be a sign that your nighttime breathing is disrupted by sleep apnea.
Morning Headaches
Waking with a headache at the start of the day is a common sign of OSA. The headache is often across the forehead and many patients describe it as “squeezing” in character. Notably, the headaches do not have associated features like light sensitivity, sound sensitivity or nausea – as migraines and other conditions might produce. Headaches from OSA occur daily, or on most days.
Loud Snoring, Choking, or Gasping During Sleep
For many, the first clue that something is wrong comes from a bed partner who complains about loud snoring, choking, or gasping sounds during the night. Snoring is a common symptom that can occur in people with and without sleep apnea, but it becomes more concerning when accompanied by pauses in breathing, followed by choking or gasping for air.
Patients themselves may not be aware of these nighttime symptoms, making the observations of a partner even more critical. Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat is also a red flag that could indicate interrupted breathing due to OSA.
Frequent Awakenings and Other Night Time Disturbances
Many people with sleep apnea experience sleep maintenance insomnia, which is the inability to stay asleep after initially falling asleep. These repetitive awakenings can occur multiple times throughout the night due to pauses in breathing.
Another common but less recognized symptom is nocturia, or waking up frequently to urinate. Often blamed on aging or bladder issues, nocturia is actually linked to apneic episodes in OSA patients. When the airway becomes blocked, the body experiences a brief spike in blood pressure, prompting the kidneys to produce more urine, which then wakes the person up.
Think You Night Have Sleep Apnea? Start Your Digital Clinical Interview
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, whether for yourself or a loved one, it’s worth considering the possibility of obstructive sleep apnea. Untreated OSA can have serious health implications, but the good news is that effective treatments are available. Visit Konk Sleep to explore your options and take the first step toward better sleep and improved health, all without leaving your home.