Sleep apnea: signs you shouldn't ignore

An estimated 26% of US adults have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. The classic profile (overweight, middle-aged man) misses many cases — women, fit people, and side-sleepers can also have it.

Loud snoring with pauses, witnessed gasping or choking, daytime fatigue despite 8 hours, morning headaches, refractory hypertension, and waking with a dry mouth all warrant a sleep study.

Untreated apnea raises stroke risk 3x and is independently linked to type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and accelerated cognitive decline.