Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes breathing to repeatedly stop and restart during sleep. Each pause often lasts longer than 10 seconds and may happen many times throughout the night.

An estimated millions of people in the United States have undiagnosed sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common form, where the tissues in the throat and mouth narrow or block the airway. This leads to interrupted breathing, which places stress on the heart and can impact daily life.

One challenge is that many symptoms occur during sleep, making them less noticeable. Often, people are unaware of their condition until a partner or family member observes the signs. Knowing the symptoms is important for early detection and treatment.

Snoring

Snoring is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. It indicates that airways may be narrowing and airflow is restricted. Extra tissue in the throat or a large tongue can make snoring more likely.

Other noises, such as gasping, choking, or snorting, may also occur. These sounds often happen when the brain signals the body to take a deeper breath against a blocked airway, which may cause you to wake up multiple times at night.

Not all snoring is linked to sleep apnea. However, snoring combined with pauses in breathing, choking, or gasping is a stronger sign of the condition.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

People with sleep apnea often wake up tired, even after a full night of sleep. Interrupted breathing reduces sleep quality, leading to extreme fatigue during the day.

This can affect daily activities and may be dangerous, especially when driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require attention.

Fatigue

Fatigue goes beyond feeling sleepy. It means having low energy, lack of motivation, and irritability. People may take naps during the day to recover energy, but those with moderate to severe sleep apnea often continue to feel exhausted even after resting.

Memory and Concentration Problems

Poor sleep quality disrupts brain function, making it harder to focus and remember details. You may forget tasks, miss deadlines, or find it difficult to stay engaged in conversations. Concentration problems can also lead to procrastination and reduced productivity.

Morning Headaches

Many people with sleep apnea experience headaches upon waking. While the exact cause is not fully understood, one theory is that drops in oxygen levels during the night trigger pain signals in the head and body.

Unlike migraines or tension headaches, sleep apnea-related headaches are often linked to disrupted nighttime breathing.

Nocturia

Nocturia refers to waking up multiple times during the night to urinate. Nearly half of people with sleep apnea experience this symptom.

It may be caused by low oxygen levels stressing the body, leading to hormonal changes that increase urine production. Overactive bladder signals during the night can further disrupt sleep.

Symptoms in Children

Sleep apnea also affects children, though their symptoms may differ from adults. Common signs include:

  • Gasping or snoring during sleep

  • Restless sleep or frequent awakenings

  • Hyperactivity during the day

  • Difficulty focusing in school

Children with craniofacial abnormalities, genetic conditions, or neurological issues may have a higher risk. Parents who notice these signs should discuss them with a healthcare provider.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

You should contact a healthcare provider if you:

  • Experience excessive daytime sleepiness

  • Are told you snore, choke, or gasp during sleep

  • Wake with a dry mouth or morning headaches

  • Get up frequently at night to urinate

Many people with sleep apnea do not realize they have it. Testing, including at-home sleep studies, can help diagnose the condition and guide treatment.

A Quick Review

Sleep apnea is a serious but often undiagnosed condition. Its main symptoms include loud snoring, daytime fatigue, memory or concentration problems, morning headaches, and nighttime urination.

If you wake up feeling unrefreshed despite enough sleep, speak with a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve sleep quality, reduce health risks, and restore daily energy.