Sleep apnea is a potentially serious chronic sleep disorder, which causes reduction or pause in breathing (airflow) when the person sleeps. It occurs commonly in adults and is rare in children. Many people are not aware that they have sleep apnea as the symptoms occur only during sleep. The signs and symptoms are usually noticed by family member/s and/or bed partner.
The three types of sleep apnea are central sleep apnea (CSA), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and mixed sleep apnea (both central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea). Read to know the signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apnea in adults and children.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in adults
Sleep apnea remains undiagnosed in many people as the symptoms occur in sleep and the person is not aware of them and when you go to the doctor’s office, you don’t really have perceivable symptoms and there are no blood tests for the condition.
Important symptoms of sleep apnea are:
Other common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea are:
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea, you can ask your partner/spouse to observe your sleep habits or consider getting a home-based sleep test.
Signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in children
Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of sleep apnea in children. It can be difficult to recognise.
Common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in children include:
If your child has one or more symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea, consult a paediatrician, who specialises in sleep disorders.
Read more articles on Sleep Apnea Signs and Symptoms