Sleep apnea can damage your heart, disrupt the flow of oxygen to the brain and throw off hormones. It can lead to memory problems, depression and poor concentration. And it can increase your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. It’s important to know the symptoms so you can see your doctor and get treated.

Snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep are the most common symptoms of sleep apnea. But people with sleep apnea also may have symptoms during the day such as difficulty staying awake, fatigue and irritability.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea Early

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when your airways get completely or partially blocked as you breathe in during sleep. It can occur because your throat muscles relax and close up the airway. It can also happen if your airway becomes enlarged because of obesity, medications (especially sleeping pills), or a throat injury or defect.

People with obstructive sleep apnea often have other health problems such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. They can also have a jaw or teeth problem, use alcohol or sedatives before bedtime, smoke, or have a family history of sleep apnea. Frequent nighttime urination, or nocturia, can also be a sign of sleep apnea. It is most common in men but can occur in women as well. Sometimes nocturia is caused by certain medications, a urinary tract infection, or conditions such as a prostate problem, high blood pressure or pregnancy.