Some of the symptoms to look for

Night-time symptoms

• loud persistent snoring
• intermittent pauses in breathing
• choking, gasping during sleep
• restless, tossing and turning
• difficulty staying asleep
• awakening with a dry mouth and sore throat
• frequent visits to the bathroom
• night sweats

Daytime symptoms

• early morning headaches (due to lack of oxygen to the brain overnight)
• irritability that negatively affects relationships with others
• poor concentration
• depressed mood/ mood swings
• forgetfulness and memory loss
• sudden weight gain/ difficulty in losing weight
• sexual dysfunction
• excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
• daytime drowsiness that affects your safety with driving and in the workplace

In addition, women often show subtler, atypical symptoms such as insomnia, morning headaches, depression and anxiety. These symptoms often lead to misdiagnoses such as depression, insomnia or menopausal side effects.

If you are worried that you have several of these symptoms and therefore not feeling the best, then make an appointment with your doctor for a check up.