Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a common yet often undiagnosed sleep disorder. This condition can have serious consequences on your health. It manifests as repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, usually caused by an obstruction in the airways. Sleep apnea and daytime drowsiness often go hand in hand: drowsiness results from fragmented sleep and leads to daytime fatigue. It’s important to consult a doctor to diagnose possible sleep apnea. Recognizing the warning signs is what this article is all about.
How Do I Know If I Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Common signs of obstructive sleep apnea include:
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Loud and frequent snoring
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Breathing pauses during sleep (often noticed by a sleep partner)
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Persistent, generalized fatigue
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Daytime drowsiness
Other indicators include waking up with a dry mouth, mild sore throat, or morning headaches.
Frequent nighttime awakenings can also lead to mood swings, reduced libido, and concentration issues.
If you experience these warning signs, it’s important to consult a doctor or sleep specialist. They may recommend a home sleep test (polygraphy) to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a polysomnography performed overnight in a sleep center is advised.
Focus on Drowsiness
Daytime drowsiness is one of the most disruptive symptoms of sleep apnea—also referred to as “daytime apnea.”
It is considered pathological because it’s unusual and, worse, can be dangerous. It can catch a person off guard—at work, at home, or behind the wheel. Drowsiness and fatigue are involved in 10% of fatal road accidents. Unfortunately, this danger is often underestimated by those who experience it.
The Epworth Sleepiness Scale can be used to assess this risk:
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A score of 11 or more indicates abnormal drowsiness
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A score above 15 is clearly pathological
The Main Signs of Sleep Apnea During the Day
Here are the most common daytime symptoms of sleep apnea:
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Excessive daytime drowsiness, especially noticeable in the afternoon
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Memory issues
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Concentration and attention difficulties
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Irritability
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Mood disorders (sadness, lack of motivation)
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Morning headaches
Fatigue may even replace drowsiness in some cases.
Short naps or fragmented sleep phases are often accompanied by loud snoring and breathing pauses (typically noticed by a partner). The affected person may also experience sudden awakenings with a sensation of choking or gasping for air. Sweating during the night is also common.
Other symptoms include frequent urination at night (nocturia), teeth grinding (bruxism), and acid reflux during the night.
When insomnia is present, it typically occurs during the second half of the night, leading to a poor, unrestful sleep.
How Is Sleep Apnea Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
For mild to moderate cases, lifestyle changes can help:
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Losing weight
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Avoiding sedatives and alcohol in the evening
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Quitting smoking
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Sleeping on your side rather than your back
For severe cases, the standard treatment is Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), which delivers a steady flow of air via a mask worn during sleep.
Other devices include mandibular advancement splints or intranasal devices like the one offered by Back2Sleep, which help keep airways open.
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue from the throat or correct structural issues.
Conclusion
Daytime drowsiness is one of the most telling signs of sleep apnea, yet the condition often remains undiagnosed. If you suffer from chronic fatigue that leads to yawning or unplanned dozing during the day, it’s time to consult a doctor.
When properly treated, sleep apnea can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.
Pay attention to the signs discussed in this article—and take action if you recognize yourself in several of them.
FAQs
Is drowsiness a symptom of sleep apnea?
Yes, it is one of the most disruptive symptoms. It typically occurs during monotonous activities and can be dangerous due to its unpredictability.
Why does sleep apnea cause fatigue?
Fatigue can be normal during intense or prolonged activity. But in the case of sleep apnea, it’s pathological—it occurs without exertion and becomes chronic, indicating a deeper problem.
What are the symptoms of sleep apnea when awake?
People with sleep apnea often complain of daytime drowsiness, morning headaches, sudden nighttime awakenings, night sweats, frequent nighttime urination, irritability, and even depressive episodes.
Is sleep apnea recognized as a disability?
If sleep apnea is classified as a disability, it may entitle a person to certain benefits: disability compensation, access to specialized medical care, or even workplace accommodations.
