What is one indicator that a person may have sleep apnea?

Excessive daytime sleepiness is a key indicator of sleep apnea due to the fragmented sleep that often characterizes this condition. Individuals with sleep apnea frequently experience interruptions in their breathing while asleep, which leads to poor sleep quality and reduced time spent in restorative sleep stages. As a result, they may feel excessively tired during the day, struggling to stay awake or alert in various situations. This excessive daytime sleepiness can significantly impact not only personal well-being but also safety in daily activities, such as driving or operating machinery. The connection between sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness is backed by extensive research, making it a critical symptom for identifying potential cases of obstructive sleep apnea.