Sleep Apnea Symptoms & Warning Signs in Adults

Do you often wake up feeling tired, even after 7-8 hours of sleep? Has your partner complained about your loud snoring or moments where you seem to stop breathing during the night? These could be warning signs of sleep apnea—a serious sleep disorder that affects your breathing while you sleep and impacts your overall health more than you might realize.

Many adults ignore the early symptoms, thinking they’re just “tired from work” or “naturally snore,” but untreated sleep apnea can lead to life-threatening complications.

What is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. These pauses can last for a few seconds or even longer, causing a lack of oxygen to your brain and body. There are two main types:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA):
  Most common type, where the throat muscles relax and block the airway.

• Central Sleep Apnea:
  Less common, where the brain fails to send proper signals to control breathing.

Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Adults

Here’s how to recognize the signs early:

• Loud, frequent snoring – especially with gasping or choking sound

• Daytime fatigue and sleepiness, no matter how long you sleep

• Waking up with dry mouth or sore throat

• Morning headaches

• Difficulty concentrating or memory issues

• Mood swings, irritability, or depression

• Waking up multiple times to urinate (nocturia)

• High blood pressure or weight gain (linked complications)

It’s important to note: not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but loud, chronic snoring with other symptoms is a red flag.

Why is it Dangerous?

If ignored, sleep apnea can lead to:

• Heart problems (high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke)

• Diabetes and insulin resistance

• Liver problems

• Poor immune function

• Increased risk of accidents due to sleepiness

Sleep apnea also affects your quality of life, relationships, work performance, and emotional health.

What Should You Do?

If you or your loved one is showing signs of sleep apnea, don’t ignore them. Consult an ENT or sleep specialist who can guide you through:

• Sleep studies (polysomnography) to diagnose the severity

• Lifestyle changes – such as weight loss or quitting alcohol/smoking

• CPAP therapy – a machine that keeps your airway open while you sleep

• Surgical options for severe obstructive cases

• Positional therapy or dental devices for mild to moderate symptoms

Conclusion

Sleep apnea is more than just snoring—it's a silent condition that disrupts your sleep, health, and daily life. But the good news is, it’s treatable with timely care and the right guidance.

At Jaipur Doorbeen Hospital, we offer expert ENT and sleep disorder diagnosis, sleep studies, and personalized treatment plans to help you sleep peacefully and live healthily.