Sleep apnea causes the sleep apnea symptoms to relax, which can narrow or close the throat and reduce the space needed for breathing. That can cause the airway to collapse and stop breathing, resulting in loud snoring or stopping breathing altogether (apnea). This robs your body of oxygen and can lead to long-term health problems including heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and depression. It also can make you tired or irritable during the day and cause driving or work-related accidents.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms: What You Need to Know for Early Detection

The most common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are trouble falling and staying asleep, frequent waking during the night, feeling exhausted during the day, morning headaches and drowsiness or inability to concentrate. People who sleepwalk, talk while they’re sleeping or have a choking sensation when they wake up may also have this condition. People who have a thick neck, are obese or have a family history of this problem are at greater risk of developing it. Alcohol use, medications and certain medical conditions like heart disease, atrial fibrillation or hard-to-control high blood pressure can all contribute to it.

A doctor can diagnose sleep apnea by reviewing your symptoms and conducting a physical exam, which will look for anything that can cause your airway to narrow, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a thick neck or a large tongue. They also will ask you about your health habits, including how much time you spend sleeping and whether you have any other health concerns or medications you take. They can then perform a sleep study in their office or at home using equipment that measures your heart rate, blood oxygen levels and airflow while you’re sleeping.

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