• Sleep apnea, also known as obstructive sleep apnea, in its most typical form is a common yet serious sleep disorder often characterized by loud, excessive snoring caused when a person's breathing is interrupted while sleeping. Though easy to diagnose based on key symptoms, sleep apnea left untreated can lead to life-threatening conditions like stroke, hypertension and heart failure. That's why it's imperative to know the symptoms and seek treatment at the first sign.
  
  

Snoring

• Though people who snore don't always have sleep apnea, it's cause for concern if it keeps you or the person with whom you share a bed awake. If while snoring, the person stops breathing for several seconds, he or she should seek medical attention for the potential of sleep apnea and a proper diagnosis.
  
  

Irritated Throat

• After a night of snoring, it's logical that you could wake with a irritated throat. That's why it's important that if you're unaware of whether you snore, to pay attention to any morning throat irritation. A sore, dry throat could be indicative of sleep apnea.
  
  

Daytime Sleepiness

• It stands to reason that after a night of fitful sleep you would be sleepy the next day, but if you get a full night of sleep and you're still tired, there may be an underlying problem. If you find yourself falling asleep at inopportune times--at work, while eating, etc.--it may be time to seek medical attention and get a diagnosis.
  
  

Headache

• Headaches are another sign of sleep apnea, typically found in moderate to severe cases. That's not to say that if you wake with a headache that you have sleep apnea. Rather, if you suspect you have sleep apnea, headaches could be a confirming factor. More typical in women with sleep apnea than in men, the headaches could be linked to lower oxygen saturation levels, though this is an unconfirmed theory based on an American Academy of Sleep Medicine study. Again, if you suspect you have sleep apnea and you exhibit symptoms, see a physician for a proper diagnosis.