Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea?
An assessment at the Sleep and Lifestyle Clinic will consider all possible causes of your symptoms including conditions such as sleep disorded breathing, snoring, periodic leg movements, narcolepsy and sleep phase disorder.
Snoring and sleep apnea are two of many issues that can impact on sleep and the symptoms can vary greatly. There is no universal pattern with patients reporting differing types and intensities of symptoms. Interestingly the vast majority of sleep apnea sufferers have only mild issues or don’t exhibit any symptoms. Unfortunately many perceive their symptoms as a normal part of aging, not realising that they have a reversible medical condition.
Symptoms reported by the sufferer or their partner may include:
- Sleepiness
- Snoring
- Tiredness
- Decreased concentration
- Reduced energy or fatigue
- Decreased memory
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Frequent urination at night
- ‘Unusual’ feeling in the airway
- Frequent waking
- Choking out of sleep
- Sweating at night
- Irritability
- Reduced libido
What can be the health effects or signs of untreated sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea creates a physiological stress on the body which can result in health issues, with many long-term potential risks to health, which include:
High blood pressure
Abnormal heart rhythm (eg. atrial fibrillation)
Diabetes
Stroke
Heart attack
Heart failure
Motor vehicle accident
Premature Death
If you or a family member are worried about any of these signs or symptoms you may wish to undergo a Sleep Apnea Screening Test
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