Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Each pause briefly wakes the brain, so people with apnea can spend eight hours in bed and still wake up unrested. The result often looks like an attention or memory problem.
How sleep apnea affects thinking
Broken sleep and dips in oxygen can cause daytime sleepiness, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, irritability and low mood. These overlap closely with ADHD, anxiety and depression.
Signs of sleep apnea
- Loud snoring, or gasping or pauses in breathing noticed by a partner
- Morning headaches or a dry mouth on waking
- Daytime sleepiness, including dozing while reading or driving
- High blood pressure or extra weight around the neck
What to do
If these sound familiar, tell your provider. Sleep apnea is diagnosed with a sleep study, often done at home, arranged through your primary care provider or a sleep specialist. Treating apnea can sharpen focus, memory and mood, and it protects your heart.
When to act quickly
Dozing off while driving is dangerous. Stop driving when drowsy and get evaluated promptly. Sudden memory loss or confusion needs urgent medical care.
Read more about sleep care at Hope Behavioral Medicine.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Repeated breathing pauses fragment sleep and lower oxygen levels, which can cause daytime sleepiness, poor focus, forgetfulness and irritability.
It can. Both can cause inattention and forgetfulness. Loud snoring, gasping at night, morning headaches and daytime sleepiness point toward sleep apnea.
With a sleep study, often a home test, arranged through your primary care provider or a sleep specialist.