How Serious are Snoring and Sleep Apnea?

If you have a snoring problem, you are not alone.

Snoring is a common symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a potentially life-threatening medical condition. It is estimated that as many as 18 to 20 million people in the United States suffer from OSA.

Many individuals who snore may be unaware that they have OSA. They may underplay or even deny their sleep-disordered breathing because they are embarrassed by their snoring. A family member or spouse may have to take responsibility to report any snoring or incidents of sleep apnea to the patient or doctor.

Snoring is one of the most obvious signs of sleep apnea. Others signs include sleepiness, fatigue, mood swings, headaches, low sex drive and poor concentration.

Not everyone who has OSA has all these symptoms. And, not everyone with these symptoms has OSA. We recommend that you take our Apnea Risk Survey to find out if you or a loved one might have OSA.

WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP APNEA?

Major Symptoms:

• Loud, frequent, snoring
• Snorting or gasping for air during sleep
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Daytime sleepiness

Other common symptoms:

• Frequent nighttime urination
• Morning headaches
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Lack of energy
• Drowsy driving
• Feeling stressed
• Sexual dysfunction

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, take our Apnea Risk Survey.