How to tell if you have sleep apnea is an under-recognized condition that increases your risk for heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes. And yet, it’s estimated that 85% to 90% of people with it don’t realize they have it.

The most common form of the disorder is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the soft tissue at the back of your throat collapses as you’re sleeping, reducing or blocking air flow to your lungs. As a result, you stop breathing several times an hour. Each episode lasts about 30 seconds, and is followed by a jerk as your body struggles to get oxygen back into your lungs. The cycle can repeat itself hundreds of times a night.

How to Tell If You Have Sleep Apnea: Symptoms to Watch For

In addition to snoring, other symptoms of the condition include feeling tired even after getting a good night’s sleep; irritability or hyperactivity; recurring headaches; or memory problems. If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor or a specialist in sleep disorders. They can refer you to a sleep center, where you’ll spend the night hooked up to a variety of sensors that track your breathing patterns and monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels.

You’ll also undergo a physical exam to see whether any conditions could make your upper airway narrower or obstructed. For example, enlarged tonsils can be a cause of sleep apnea in children. Your doctor may also ask about your family history since the disorder tends to run in families.