Sleep Apnea
What are the symptoms?- excessive daytime sleepiness
- frequent episodes of obstructed breathing
during sleep.
(The patient may be unaware of this symptom -- usually the bed partner is extremely aware of this).
Associated features may include:
- loud snoring
- morning headaches
- unrefreshing sleep
- a dry mouth upon awakening
- chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in)
- high blood pressure
- overweight
- irritability
- change in personality
- depression
- difficulty concentrating
- excessive perspiring during sleep
- heartburn
- reduced libido
- insomnia
- frequent nocturnal urination (nocturia)
- restless sleep
- nocturnal snorting, gasping, choking (may wake self up)
- rapid weight gain
- confusion upon awakening