Overview
Sleep apnea, a prevalent sleep disorder, causes interruptions in breathing during sleep. Untreated, it can lead to diabetes and heart issues, heightening stroke and heart attack risks. It affects all age groups, but symptoms vary. Learn about its signs and symptoms here.
Jump to section
Signs of Sleep Apnea in Adults | Signs in Children | Signs in Toddlers | When to See a Doctor
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in adults
If you notice several of these 13 signs, you might have sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring.
- Your partner notices you snore and stop breathing at times.
- Abrupt wake-ups with breathlessness.
- Waking up choking or gasping.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom at night.
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat.
- Headaches upon waking.
- Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness.
- Trouble with attention, concentration, or memory.
- Irritability and mood swings.
- Risk factors like being overweight, drinking, or smoking.
- Decreased interest in sex or sexual dysfunction.
Signs of sleep apnea in Children
Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that 10 to 20 percent of snoring children might have sleep apnea. Around 3 percent of all kids may have this condition.
Untreated sleep apnea in children can lead to issues resembling ADHD, like:
- Learning difficulties.
- Short attention spans.
- Poor school performance.
Watch out for these sleep apnea signs in your child:
- Snoring.
- Mouth breathing (awake or asleep).
- Breathing pauses during sleep.
- Bedwetting.
- Daytime sleepiness.
Signs of sleep apnea in toddlers
If you suspect your toddler has a sleep disorder, watch out for these sleep apnea signs while they sleep:
- Snoring and labored breathing.
- Breathing pauses.
- Restlessness.
- Coughing or choking.
- Sweating excessively.
While awake, observe for:
- Irritability, frustration.
- Napping at unusual times.
- Tonsil or adenoid issues.
- Slow growth (height and weight)
When to see a doctor
If you notice signs of sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. They may suggest a sleep study to diagnose the condition. For children, consult a pediatrician who might refer to a specialist for further evaluation or recommend tonsil and adenoid removal.
If your toddler shows signs of sleep apnea, discuss with their pediatrician. They may assess weight and allergies’ impact on sleep and refer to specialists like a pulmonologist or otolaryngologist for further evaluation or potential treatment such as tonsil and adenoid removal.
Jump to section
Signs of Sleep Apnea in Adults | Signs in Children | Signs in Toddlers | When to See a Doctor