Health Tip: Warning Signs of Sleep Apnea

(HealthDay News) -- Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a person to stop breathing temporarily during sleep. When a person isn''t breathing, even for brief periods, it can deprive the blood of oxygen and lead to serious complications.

Here are some common warning signs of sleep apnea that should be evaluated by your doctor. They''re provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• A partner notices that you''ve stopped breathing for brief periods (often 10 seconds or more) during sleep.
• Feeling tired and lethargic during the day.
• Having headaches first thing in the morning.
• Poor quality of sleep, and waking often.
• Feeling depressed, having problems with concentration and noticing differences in your personality.
• Snoring loudly, especially as soon as you fall asleep.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 19, 2009

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