Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas overlap, sometimes making the type of sleep apnea more difficult to determine. The most common signs and symptoms of obstructive and central sleep apneas include:
•    Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
•    Loud snoring
•    Observed episodes of breathing cessation during sleep
•    Abrupt awakenings accompanied by shortness of breath
•    Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat
•    Morning headache
•    Difficulty staying asleep (insomnia)

Disruptive snoring may be a more prominent characteristic of obstructive sleep apnea, while awakening with shortness of breath may be more common with central sleep apnea.