--- title: 12 Telltale Signs You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) description: Do you suspect you or a loved one may have sleep apnea but aren't quite sure about all the signs and symptoms? In this article, we discuss the most common sleep apnea symptoms you should be aware of. From snoring and long pauses of breathing to sleep to daytime sleepiness and irritability, we cover... image: https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/snoring_spouse_cartoon-1.jpg --- ![logo.png](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2016_Redesign/logo.jpg?width=600&name=logo.jpg "logo.png") - [Home](https://www.sleepresolutions.com) - [About Us](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/about-sleep-resolutions-and-knight-time-medical-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Meet Our Staff](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-resolutions-and-knight-time-medical-staff-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Meet Our Medical Director](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-medicine-medical-director-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Testimonials](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/testimonials) - [Sleep Resolutions Locations](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-center-locations) - [Night Time Medical Location](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/knight-time-medical-location) - [Sleep Services](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-disorders-testing-sleep-medicine-dodge-city-garden-city-kansas) - [Sleep Studies](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-studies-type-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [CPAP Therapy](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines-cpap-therapy-cpap-masks) - [CPAP Equipment](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines-cpap-therapy-cpap-masks) - [CPAP Machines](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines) - [APAP Machines](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/automatic-positive-airway-pressure-apap-machines) - [BiPAP Machines](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/bipap-machines) - [Learning Center](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-apnea-learning-center) - [Blog](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/contact-us-sleep-resolutions) ![bg-img11.jpg](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2016_Redesign/bigstock-Night-sky-with-stars-and-full--102455816.jpg?width=1600&name=bigstock-Night-sky-with-stars-and-full--102455816.jpg "bg-img11.jpg") ## [12 Telltale Signs You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/signs-symptoms-sleep-apnea-list) ![Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Debra%20Turner.jpeg) By [Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/author/debra-turner) - October 1, 2024 - - - - ![sleep apnea symptoms snoring loudly](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/snoring_spouse_cartoon-1.jpg?width=1200&name=snoring_spouse_cartoon-1.jpg) [Obstructive Sleep Apnea,](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-apnea) or OSA, is becoming more of a household name.  More and more people are being diagnosed with OSA as the sleep medicine field learns more about different presentations, symptoms, and the short-term and long-term impacts.   If you or a loved one seems to be struggling with getting a good night’s sleep, are sleepy during the day, or stop breathing throughout the night, they may be struggling with OSA.   # What is OSA? Obstructive Sleep Apnea is a sleep-related breathing disorder.  The person may have a decreased or complete stop in airflow despite ongoing effort to breathe.  The muscles in the neck and throat relax during sleep and the soft tissue collapses in the back of the throat.  The collapsed soft tissue causes a block in the upper airway. The blockage of the upper airway leads to partial and complete pauses in a person breathing.  The pauses last at least ten seconds and on average last up to thirty seconds. Longer pauses can occur in more severe cases.  What do these pauses mean for the sufferer? They lead to a significant reduction in blood oxygen saturation. Your brain is triggered by a lack of oxygen.  Your brain alerts the body to wake from sleep in order to return back to your normal breathing pattern.  You fall asleep again, experience another pause, the brain is triggered, and the body wakes from sleep. This series occurs over and over throughout the night.   The result is fragmented sleep that leaves you feeling excessively sleepy during the day. That fragmented sleep also causes many other significant health concerns. # 11 Tell-Tale Signs of OSA ### 1.) Loud Snoring   When most people think of obstructive sleep apnea,[loud snoring is the first thing that comes to mind.](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/why-do-people-snore-reasons-risks-and-treatment-options) OSA causes snoring in most patients, however, just because someone snores doesn't mean they have OSA. Snoring is caused when the soft tissues in the back of the throat relax during sleep and cause partial blockage of the upper airway.  Snoring is the sound of air vibrating in the upper respiratory system as it tries to move past the soft tissues of the throat. Many people who snore frequently may not even be aware they do as it happens during sleep. Often, it's their spouse or bed-partner who complains that the snoring disrupts their own sleep. ### 2.) Frequent Pauses in Breathing During Sleep  When the fatty tissues of the throat relax and fall back into the airways, it restricts airflow and can cause patient's suffering from sleep apnea to take long, frequent pauses in their breathing. When this occurs, oxygen levels in the blood drop. This signals your brain to temporarily come out of deeper stages of sleep to force the body to take a large breath to fight past the blockage. People with moderate to severe sleep apnea can experience anywhere from 15 to over 30 apnea events an hour lasting anywhere from 10-20 seconds. ### 3.) Abruptly Waking Up Gasping or Choking Sometimes our patients do not recall having moments of gasping but are informed later by their bed partners.  It can be unsettling to encourage someone to seek out answers to their symptoms. ### 3.) Daytime Sleepiness [Daytime sleepiness](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/excessive-daytime-sleepiness) is the most common complaint of those that suffer from OSA.  Many patients are not actually aware of the interruptions they experience throughout the night but are very aware of the consequences of those interrupts.  Some patients report that they involuntarily fall asleep during the day. ### 4.) Dry Mouth or Sore Throat   Dry mouth seems like a symptom of sleeping with your mouth open but it actually is another major indicator of OSA.  Those that suffer from OSA are two times more likely to suffer from dry mouth on a consistent basis that those that do not have OSA. Reference  The dryness of mouth breathing and snoring can additionally cause patients to wake with a sore throat.  Experiencing a sore throat seems to occur in tandem with dry mouth but is not always present. ### 5.) Morning Headaches   Low levels of oxygen in the brain cause expanding blood vessels creating headaches.  Morning headaches and daytime sleepiness are the most common symptoms that cause patients to seek out treatment.   ### 6.) Difficulties Concentrating and Focusing   When we are not getting rest, our brain can experience “brain fog.” Making it difficult to maintain focus on daily tasks or concentrate on basic tasks.   ### 7.) Irritability or Depression While we are sleeping our brain does much-needed repairs and restoration to itself.  If you are not getting the sleep, your brain suffers. Chemicals that are connected to mood are negatively impacted by sleep apnea.  This shift in your brain’s chemistry causes mood swings, depression, irritability, and more. ### 8.) Restless During Sleep It can be difficult to find a comfortable position when you are frequently waking up throughout the night.  You may toss and turn more or wake your bed partner. ### 9.) Struggling to Wake up in The Morning Again, because you are not getting the sleep you need throughout the night it is difficult to rise in the morning.  You do not feel rested and want to stay in bed as long as possible. ### 10.) High Blood Pressure The sudden drop in oxygen places stress and burden on the entire cardiovascular system [making your heart work harder and raising blood pressure.](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/snoring-as-a-risk-factor-for-high-blood-pressure-and-sleep-apnea) ### 11.) Decreased Libido The hormones that direct sexual drive are regulated by the brain.  When your brain is not functioning, as a result of interrupted sleep, there is a direct impact on these hormones. More and more research is supporting the direct link between sleep apnea and reduced libido.   ##  Final Thoughts and Next Steps There are many more symptoms that can indicate you have OSA.  Every person experiences the symptoms differently and the presentation of their OSA may affect their daily lives in various ways.  If you have a bed partner, they may notice some, or all, of the following signs before you do. If your bed partner expresses concerns about your sleeping patterns, it could be time to seek out a sleep study.   Another important note is that men and women experience obstructive sleep apnea different.  Women are more likely to report experiencing insomnia, restless leg syndrome, feeling overwhelmed, depression, and heartburn at night.  Many of the other symptoms are similar however, women are misdiagnosed at a higher rate because they are not reporting the classic OSA symptoms. **If you live in Dodge City, Kansas or Garden City, Kansas** and would like to speak to a certified sleep professional about your symptoms and treatment options, click on the link below to request a free, no-obligations over-the-phone sleep assessment.   And if you don't live in one of our service areas, we can still offer you some help. Download our free ebook on sleep apnea below to learn more about how you can diagnose and treat your condition. Take the first steps to a restful night of sleep. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/49d28c54-848e-4adc-bb19-5510a0bed86a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/49d28c54-848e-4adc-bb19-5510a0bed86a) ![bg-img14.jpg](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/383029/hubfs/Espark-dtemplate/images/bg-img14.jpg?width=750&name=bg-img14.jpg "bg-img14.jpg") ## Join Our Newsletter Join hundreds of other sleep clients in subscribing to our Sleep Talkers Blog. ![bg-img19.jpg](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/383029/Espark-dtemplate/images/bg-img19.jpg "bg-img19.jpg") ![Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CTA_images/Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg?width=841&name=Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg "Snoring_and_Sleep_Apnea_Ebook_Cover.jpg") ###### Download our FREE Ebook on Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Signs, Symptoms and Risks This book covers everything from: Why do we snore, the different types of sleep apnea, to the dangers of untreated sleep apnea.  [![Download Now](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/13360343-3aa8-400c-890b-ed1d5a7cbf8d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/13360343-3aa8-400c-890b-ed1d5a7cbf8d) ## Leave a comment Search this site on Google Search Google ### Subscribe to Email Updates ![Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Debra%20Turner.jpeg) Written by [Debra Turner](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/author/debra-turner) Owner and President of Sleep Resolutions in Garden City, Kansas and Dodge City Kansas. - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [cpap mask (33)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-mask) - [reviews (30)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/reviews) - [cpap (17)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap) - [cpap machine (13)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-machine) - [OSA (10)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/osa) - [cpap equipment (9)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-equipment) - [sleep apnea, (9)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea) - [cpap supplies (7)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-supplies) - [sleep study (7)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-study) - [obstructive sleep apnea (6)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/obstructive-sleep-apnea) - [sleep apnea and snoring (6)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-and-snoring) - [sleep hygiene (6)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-hygiene) - [apnea (5)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/apnea) - [cpap mask replacement (5)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-mask-replacement) - [sleep deprivation (5)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-deprivation) - [dme (4)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/dme) - [sleep studies (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-studies) - [sleepiness (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleepiness) - [stages of sleep (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/stages-of-sleep) - [treat your snoring (3)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/treat-your-snoring) - [CPAP masks for children (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-masks-for-children) - [Oversleeping (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/oversleeping) - [REM sleep (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/rem-sleep) - [accredited sleep center (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/accredited-sleep-center) - [allergies (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/allergies) - [dental sleep medicine (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/dental-sleep-medicine) - [excessive daytime sleepiness (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/excessive-daytime-sleepiness) - [pediatrics (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/pediatrics) - [respiratory health (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/respiratory-health) - [women and snoring (2)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/women-and-snoring) - [Diabetes (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/diabetes) - [SWSD (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/swsd) - [bed partner (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/bed-partner) - [cancer (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cancer) - [central sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/central-sleep-apnea) - [compliance (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/compliance) - [cpap followup (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/cpap-followup) - [dangers of untreated sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/dangers-of-untreated-sleep-apnea) - [distracted driving (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/distracted-driving) - [drowsy driving (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/drowsy-driving) - [healthcare accreditation (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/healthcare-accreditation) - [hispanic community health (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/hispanic-community-health) - [hospital sleep center (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/hospital-sleep-center) - [independent sleep center (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/independent-sleep-center) - [insomnia and sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/insomnia-and-sleep-apnea) - [insurance (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/insurance) - [men and snoring (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/men-and-snoring) - [menopause and osa (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/menopause-and-osa) - [mixed sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/mixed-sleep-apnea) - [night terrors (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/night-terrors) - [obesity and sleep (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/obesity-and-sleep) - [parasomnia (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/parasomnia) - [polysomnography (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/polysomnography) - [ptsd (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/ptsd) - [sex (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sex) - [shift work sleep disorder (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/shift-work-sleep-disorder) - [sleep apnea and brain damage (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-and-brain-damage) - [sleep apnea and cancer (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-and-cancer) - [sleep apnea consequences (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-consequences) - [sleep apnea mouthpiece (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-mouthpiece) - [sleep apnea risks (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-apnea-risks) - [sleep architecture (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-architecture) - [sleep disorders (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/sleep-disorders) - [snoring (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/snoring) - [uars (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/uars) - [untreated sleep apnea (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/untreated-sleep-apnea) - [upper airway resistance (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/upper-airway-resistance) - [when snoring becomes OSA (1)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/topic/when-snoring-becomes-osa) see all [![Snoring and Sleep Apnea](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/af05c7c9-a136-4dbf-b1e1-ac596ac52485.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/af05c7c9-a136-4dbf-b1e1-ac596ac52485) [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1924770/dba5e25c-38c0-4b47-9e28-924bf4d7fc40.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1924770/dba5e25c-38c0-4b47-9e28-924bf4d7fc40) #### Related posts [![When Was the Last Time You Got a New CPAP Mask?](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/woman_CPAP_Mask.jpg)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-was-the-last-time-you-got-a-new-cpap-mask) ##### [When Was the Last Time You Got a New CPAP Mask?](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-was-the-last-time-you-got-a-new-cpap-mask) ![Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/seattleheadshot-smaller.jpg) By [Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-was-the-last-time-you-got-a-new-cpap-mask/author/kristen-havens) - November 14, 2016 [![When You're Self-Conscious About Using CPAP](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/anxiety_about_cpap_is_normal_but_it_doesnt_have_to_lead_to_therapy_failure.jpg)](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-youre-self-conscious-about-using-cpap) ##### [When You're Self-Conscious About Using CPAP](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-youre-self-conscious-about-using-cpap) ![Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/hubfs/seattleheadshot-smaller.jpg) By [Kristen Havens](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog/when-youre-self-conscious-about-using-cpap/author/kristen-havens) - November 7, 2016 #### Sleep Resolutions - Garden City 1506 Taylor Plaza East Garden City, KS 67846 Phone: 620-271-9400 Toll-Free: 866-758-9400 Fax: 620-271-9201   #### Night Time Medical 1508 Taylor Plaza East Garden City, KS 67846 Phone: 620-276-8100 Fax: 620-276-8106 #### Site map - [Home](https://www.sleepresolutions.com) - [About Us](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/about-sleep-resolutions-and-knight-time-medical-garden-city-dodge-city-kansas) - [Sleep Services](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-disorders-testing-sleep-medicine-dodge-city-garden-city-kansas) - [CPAP Equipment](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/cpap-machines-cpap-therapy-cpap-masks) - [Learning Center](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/sleep-apnea-learning-center) - [Blog](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.sleepresolutions.com/contact-us-sleep-resolutions) #### Email For newsletter ### Subscribe our Newsletter Copyright © 2015 your Company. All rights reserved.