8 Sleep Apnea Symptoms You Should Never Ignore : The Hearty Soul

3. Gasping or Choking During Sleep

A woman sits in bed, appearing fatigued and distressed. Her hands are resting on her face, suggesting a sense of weariness or frustration. The dim lighting and disheveled bedding indicate that she may have had a restless night's sleep. This scene could represent common symptoms of sleep apnea, such as daytime tiredness, difficulty staying asleep, and a general feeling of exhaustion despite spending adequate time in bed. — Credit: Pexels

This symptom especially frightens many sufferers, who often wake up feeling like they’re choking or gasping for air. The sensation triggers panic and anxiety about going back to sleep, creating a vicious cycle of sleep avoidance and exhaustion. These episodes signal serious breathing problems during sleep. Each time your breathing stops, your blood oxygen levels drop, triggering your brain’s survival reflex to wake you just enough to breathe again.