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Signs & Symptoms Pulmonology

Sleep Apnea
Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Restless sleep
  • Loud, heavy snoring often interrupted by silence and gasps
  • Drowsiness or fatigue, caused by the lack of sleep
  • Headaches in the morning
  • Irritability, forgetfulness, mood or behavior changes
  • Anxiety or depression

If sleep apnea isn't treated, it can lead to serious health problems such as:

  • Hypertension or high blood pressure
  • Heart disease, heart attack and stroke
  • Psychiatric symptoms such as depression
  • Impotence and lack of interest in sex
  • Memory loss or other problems with mental processing, also called cognitive dysfunction

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

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