What Are The Characteristics and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?
• frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep. (The patient may be unaware of this symptom — usually the bed partner is extremely aware of this). • loud snoring • morning headaches • unrefreshing sleep • excessive daytime sleepiness • a dry mouth upon awakening • chest retraction during sleep in young children (chest pulls in) • high blood pressure • obesity • 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 The upper airway can be obstructed by excess tissue in the airway, large tonsils, a large tongue, and the disorder is usually characterized by the airway muscles relaxing and collapsing when asleep. Another site of obstruction can be the nasal passages. Sometimes the structure of the jaw and airway can be a
