THE DENTAL SLEEP
MEDICINE PRACTICE OF
DR. ROBERT DELCANHO

SYMPTOMS OF OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA

Sufferers of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea may experience the following symptoms:

  Loud snoring
  Witnessed Cessation of Breathing
  Non refreshing sleep
  Excessive daytime sleepiness
  Choking or gasping during sleep
  Sore dry throat on waking
  Morning headaches
  Poor concentration memory and concentration problems
  Decreased sex drive or impotence
  Personality changes (i.e. irritability)
  Decrease in work performance
  Anxiety or depression
  Recent weight gain

It is also important to realize that often, the person who has obstructive sleep apnoea does not remember the episodes of apnoea during the night.

Most patients identify the symptom of excessive daytime sleepiness due to poor, fragmented sleep during the night. Often, family members, especially partners, witness the snoring interspersed with periods where it appears that breathing has stopped.

It is often partners or family members who witness the snoring and then the episodes of Apnoea. If your partner shows any of the above signs, you should encourage them to have a full assessment for possible OSA.

Proper treatment will provide a significant improvement in your partner's health and wellbeing and will no doubt improve your night’s sleep too!