The main symptoms consist of loud snoring and brief periods of diminution or cessation of breathing when asleep. The periods of difficulty breathing are often not known to the patient. Occasionally the patient s spouse notes the problem. During the day, apnea patients are often drowsy. They may fall asleep during monotonous tasks such as reading, watching TV or even driving.
Sleep apnea is linked to the development of high blood pressure, and by extension, to heart disease.
The diagnosis is made by sleep study where periods of apnea recorded.