Millions of people wake up exhausted every morning despite spending enough hours in bed. Many brush off their chronic fatigue or their partner’s complaints about loud snoring as minor sleep issues. In reality, these are often warning signs of sleep apnea. This common but serious sleep disorder affects up to 1 billion people worldwide between ages 30 and 69 and can lead to dangerous health complications when left untreated.
Sleep apnea occurs when your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. While it might seem like just an annoying nighttime nuisance, the reality is much more concerning. Your body experiences mini-suffocation episodes that trigger a cascade of health problems affecting your heart, brain, and overall quality of life. Let’s explore eight sleep apnea symptoms you should never ignore.
1. Loud, Persistent Snoring That Disrupts Others
Sleep apnea snoring is typically loud enough to be heard through walls. It often follows a distinctive pattern, loud snoring that starts soon after falling asleep, followed by silence (when breathing stops), and then a snort or gasp for breath before snoring resumes. If your partner regularly escapes to the guest room for a peaceful night’s sleep, it might be time to consider whether sleep apnea is the culprit. “You might notice the following characteristics in a sleeping partner who has OSA: loud snoring that usually starts soon after falling asleep, snoring stops suddenly while breathing stops, and a snort or gasp for breath before snoring starts again,” explains Dr. Anthony Kales.
