Sleep Apnea by Surgeon General Darryl Addington, MD

The symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, stopping breathing during sleep, gasping for air during sleep, dry mouth upon awakening, morning headache, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and irritability. 
There are two types of sleep apnea. Obstruction and central. Obstruction can be due to muscles in the back of the throat relaxing with the soft palate narrowing the airway, there also may be narrow airway from birth. Central Apnea occurs when the brain fails to transmit signals to muscles to breath.

Factors that contribute to apnea include excessive weight, a thick neck, large tonsils or adenoids, male, older, family history, nasal congestion, smoking, and use of alcohol or sedatives.
The complications of apnea include daytime fatigue, high blood pressure, heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and liver problems. 
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, you should see your physician. He may have you take a sleep test for a diagnosis. Treatments are available which include changes in lifestyle, treatment of nasal allergies, evaluating your medicines, and devices such as CPAP. 

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