Waking up tired, snoring loudly, or struggling to concentrate during the day may be signs your body isn’t getting the rest it needs. These common issues are often linked to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—a condition that affects millions of adults but often goes undiagnosed.
At Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, Dr. Richard K. Bogan, Dr. Laura B. Herpel, and our experienced sleep medicine team help patients identify and manage sleep disorders with expert, personalized care. If you’re concerned about your sleep or noticing signs of fatigue and poor focus, understanding the symptoms of OSA is the first step toward real improvement.
Let’s look at the most common symptoms of OSA, who is most at risk, and how early diagnosis can improve your health and well-being.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder that occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing the upper airway to narrow or collapse. This leads to repeated pauses in breathing, known as apneas, throughout the night. These interruptions reduce oxygen levels and fragment the normal sleep cycle, often without the person being aware of it.
Unlike central sleep apnea, which is caused by a failure in the brain’s signal to breathe, OSA results from a physical blockage in the airway. These breathing disruptions can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, interfering with restorative sleep and placing stress on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Common Symptoms and Warning Signs
Recognising the signs of obstructive sleep apnea is the first step toward diagnosis and effective treatment. While some symptoms may seem minor on their own, together they often indicate a more serious underlying sleep disorder.
Here are the most frequent warning signs to watch for:
1. Loud, Persistent Snoring
Snoring is one of the most recognisable symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. It occurs when airflow is partially blocked, causing tissue in the throat to vibrate. Although not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud, chronic snoring—especially when accompanied by gasping or choking sounds—is a strong indicator of disrupted breathing during sleep.
2. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Feeling unusually tired during the day, even after a full night of sleep, may signal that your sleep is being interrupted by apnea events. This daytime sleepiness can lead to difficulty staying awake at work, while driving, or during conversations.
3. Morning Headaches
Frequent morning headaches are common in those with moderate to severe sleep apnea. These may be caused by repeated oxygen drops and poor-quality sleep throughout the night, leaving you feeling foggy or unrested upon waking.
4. Difficulty Concentrating or Memory Issues
Interrupted sleep and decreased oxygen levels can affect brain function, leading to cognitive symptoms such as trouble concentrating, memory lapses, or general mental fatigue.
5. Waking Up Gasping or Choking
A classic symptom of sleep apnea is waking suddenly with a feeling of gasping or choking. These episodes may occur without full awareness and are often noticed first by a partner.
6. Dry Mouth or Sore Throat Upon Waking
Breathing through the mouth overnight, due to nasal congestion or airway blockage, can result in a dry mouth or sore throat in the morning. This may be an early sign of mouth breathing caused by airway obstruction.
7. Frequent Nighttime Urination
Many individuals with OSA experience nocturia, or waking several times during the night to urinate. This may be related to hormonal changes triggered by poor oxygenation and sleep disruption.
Why OSA Is More Common Than PeopleRealise
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects millions of adults across the United States, yet a significant number remain undiagnosed. One reason is that its symptoms—such as fatigue, brain fog, or loud snoring—are often dismissed as the result of aging, poor sleep habits, or daily stress.
For many, especially those with mild obstructive sleep apnea, the condition goes unnoticed because the pauses in breathing occur silently during sleep. It’s often a partner or family member who first observes signs like gasping, choking, or loud, irregular snoring.
Unfortunately, when left untreated, OSA can quietly lead to serious health complications over time. The condition has been linked to:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease and cardiovascular events
- Type 2 diabetes
- Weight gain and metabolic issues
- Increased risk of stroke
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Because these health risks often progress gradually, it’s important not to overlook persistent sleep issues. Early recognition and testing can lead to effective treatment and a healthier future.
Risk Factors and Who Should Get Tested
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds, but certain factors make the condition more likely. Recognising these risks is an important step toward early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Key risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea include:
- Excess Weight: Obesity—particularly fat accumulation around the neck—can narrow the airway and increase the risk of airflow obstruction during sleep.
- Male Gender: Men are more likely to develop OSA than women. However, the risk in women rises significantly after menopause.
- Age Over 40: The likelihood of developing sleep apnea increases with age due to natural changes in muscle tone and airway structure.
- Family History: Genetics may predispose individuals to anatomical features or sleep disorders that elevate their OSA risk.
- Chronic Nasal Congestion: Ongoing nasal blockage, whether due to allergies or structural issues, can impair airflow and lead to sleep-disordered breathing.
- Alcohol or Sedative Use: These substances relax the throat muscles, which can lead to airway collapse during sleep.
- Smoking: Smoking contributes to inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway, which may worsen breathing during sleep.
If you experience common symptoms—such as loud snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, or waking gasping for air—and also have one or more of these risk factors, it’s time to consider further evaluation.
At Bogan Sleep Consultants, we offer both home sleep apnea testing and in-lab sleep studies to assess your breathing patterns, blood oxygen levels, and sleep quality. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation for finding the treatment that best fits your needs. For patients with obesity-related sleep apnea, we also offer support with FDA-approved treatments like Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) to help manage weight and improve nighttime breathing.
Expert Sleep Apnea Diagnosis and Care in Columbia, SC
Understanding the signs of obstructive sleep apnea is the first step toward improving your sleep and overall health. At Bogan Sleep Consultants, we specialise in identifying and treating all forms of sleep-disordered breathing with evidence-based, compassionate care.
Led by Dr. Bogan, a board-certified expert in sleep medicine and pulmonary care, together with Dr. Herpel, our team brings decades of experience in evaluating and managing both obstructive and central sleep apnea. From advanced diagnostic tools to tailored treatment plans, we’re committed to helping you breathe easier and rest more deeply.
Whether you’re seeking answers for persistent snoring, unexplained fatigue, or other symptoms of sleep apnea, you’ll find trusted support and expert care with us in Columbia, SC.
Schedule Your Sleep Apnea Evaluation Today
Don’t let poor sleep become your new normal. If you’re experiencing signs of sleep apnea or have risk factors for this common sleep disorder, Bogan Sleep Consultants is here to guide you toward better sleep and better health.
Call (803) 251-3093 or schedule a sleep apnea evaluation with Dr. Bogan, Dr. Herpel, and our team in Columbia, SC, today. We’ll help you understand your sleep patterns and determine the best treatment plan for you, so you can start getting the restful sleep you deserve.
