What is a common symptom of sleep apnea?

Interrupted breathing during sleep is a hallmark symptom of sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by repeated episodes where a person's breathing is briefly interrupted or becomes shallow during sleep, often resulting in a significant drop in blood oxygen levels. These interruptions can last for a few seconds to minutes and can happen multiple times throughout the night.

Due to the nature of this condition, those affected typically experience disturbances in their sleep patterns, leading to fragmentation of sleep, which contributes to other symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness. While daytime fatigue and insomnia can be associated with sleep apnea, the most defining and direct symptom is the occurrence of interrupted breathing during sleep. This makes it a key indicator for diagnosing the condition.