During obstructive sleep apnea, the upper airway repeatedly becomes blocked or narrowed during sleep. The brain may briefly wake the person to restore normal breathing.
Many people don’t remember these awakenings.
Possible clues include:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping during sleep
- Choking sensations at night
- Morning headaches
- Dry mouth
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure
If a partner tells you that you stop breathing or gasp during sleep, don’t ignore it.
Sleep apnea can affect sleep quality and overall health, and it can be evaluated through a medical assessment and, when appropriate, a sleep study.
10. Hormonal Changes Can Affect Sleep Hormonal fluctuations can influence sleep at different stages of life.
