Sleep apnea symptoms are a sleep disorder that causes repeated episodes of breathing interruptions while you’re sleeping. The condition has been linked to many health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Untreated sleep apnea also can lead to memory problems, mood changes, and trouble concentrating. The good news is that there are a number of treatment options for sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, weight loss, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines and surgery.

Several things can signal that you may have sleep apnea, but the most common is loud and disruptive snoring. The throat muscles relax too much during sleep, which can cause the walls of the throat to collapse and narrow as you breathe in. This can interfere with your oxygen levels, which may contribute to snoring.

Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Seeking Dental Solutions

Other symptoms of sleep apnea include waking up with a dry or sore throat, frequent gasping or choking, restless sleep and interrupted sleep, a change in appetite, trouble concentrating, and memory problems. Some people have dizziness when waking up, which can be related to low oxygen levels.

A doctor will ask you about your health history and family history, especially if there are relatives who have sleep apnea. They will perform a physical exam to look for anything that could narrow the upper airway, such as enlarged tonsils or a small jaw. They will also check your medications and medical history to see if they can affect your sleep or may be causing the apnea.