Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a patient experiences pauses in breathing when sleeping.  The breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to a couple minutes and can occur over 5 times in an hour. This condition disrupts sleep and can lead to excessive drowsiness and exhaustion during the daytime. 

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, where the airways are obstructed during sleep.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Many patients who suffer from sleep apnea do not realize that they are snoring or gasping for air repeatedly throughout the night. It is typically a partner who reports that there may be some issues, but the patient might recognize some of the symptoms of sleep apnea themselves.

Symptoms of sleep apnea can include:

• Loud snoring that is chronic
• Long pauses in breathing when sleeping
• Choking or gasping for air when sleeping
• Daytime exhaustion
• Sore or dry mouth in the morning
• Restless sleep
• Insomnia
• Waking up feeling out of breath
• Difficulty concentrating during the day
• Moodiness, irritability, and/or depression

If you or someone that you know might be experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, do not hesitate to contact our practice.