What symptom is typically associated with obstructive sleep apnea?

Excessive daytime drowsiness is a hallmark symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, which results in fragmented sleep and a lack of restorative rest. As a consequence, individuals often experience significant fatigue and drowsiness during the day, impacting their overall quality of life.

People with obstructive sleep apnea may struggle to stay awake during routine activities and can fall asleep unintentionally during the day. This excessive daytime drowsiness arises because they may not be aware of the episodes of apnea occurring throughout the night, leading to impaired sleep continuity and the inability to achieve the deep, restorative stages of sleep necessary for proper functioning during the day.

While morning headaches and other symptoms can be associated with obstructive sleep apnea, excessive daytime drowsiness is particularly prominent and is a direct result of the poor quality of sleep the individual experiences at night.