More than 30 million people in the United States have sleep apnea, and it’s one of the most common reasons for daytime sleepiness and poor-quality sleep. It is also linked to long-term health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Untreated sleep apnea increases your risk of death from cardiovascular problems and stroke.

Sleep apnea symptoms are often the first sign that you have sleep apnea, but it’s not the only one. The most common sign of obstructive sleep apnea is choking or gasping sounds during sleep. These can be accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor, and ask if a sleep study is recommended.

Recognizing Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Seeking Dental Solutions

Another sign is night sweats. These can be related to hot weather, certain medications, cancer and thyroid issues, flu or bacterial infections, and menopause. They can also be a sign of obstructive or central sleep apnea.

Other signs can include difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes. In some cases, the choking and gasping noises can trigger a panic attack.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be caused by things that narrow or interfere with your airway, such as enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a thick throat or neck, or being overweight. Central sleep apnea can be brought on by hormone levels, certain health conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), or medication use such as opioids or antidepressants.