Risk Factors & Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder present in about 1 in 5 adults, and in more than 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes; but most people with sleep apnea are undiagnosed.

Sleep apnea is sometimes thought to be a “male disease,” however, one in three people with sleep apnea are women. While many people with sleep apnea are overweight or obese, others are not. Anyone can suffer from sleep apnea.

COMMON RISK FACTORS FOR SLEEP APNEA & TYPE 2 DIABETES

• Excessive weight/central abdominal obesity
• Lack of exercise
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Family history

SNORING & SLEEP APNEA 

Usually, people with sleep apnea find out they have the condition because a spouse or bed partner noticed them snore or stop breathing during sleep. If you are constantly tired and lack energy, you may be experiencing the effects of sleep apnea. Other common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring
• Choking or gasping during sleep
• Extreme sleepiness during the day
• Fatigue
• Morning headaches
• High blood pressure
• Inability to concentrate
• Memory loss
• Lack of motivation
• Depression

While loud snoring is the classical symptom of sleep apnea, not all patients with sleep apnea will present with snoring as the primary symptom. Women, in particular, may be more likely to complain of difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and depression rather than snoring or witnessed apneas.

If you think you might have sleep apnea, take this short sleep quiz. 

Dr. Aliya Ferouz Colburn
on Symptoms of Sleep Apnea