What is a common symptom of Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

Snoring and breathing pauses are hallmark symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). This disorder is characterized by repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, which leads to interruptions in breathing. These interruptions typically result in a cycle of oxygen deprivation, leading to fragmented sleep, which contributes to excessive daytime sleepiness and other cognitive problems.

Individuals with OSA often snore loudly because the airflow is blocked, leading to vibrations of the throat tissues. The breathing pauses may be observed by a partner or reported by the individual upon awakening. Recognizing these symptoms is important for diagnosing OSA early, as untreated conditions can lead to significant health risks, including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome.

Other symptoms listed, such as excessive sleeping or vivid night terrors, do not specifically relate to OSA. While individuals with OSA may experience excessive daytime sleepiness due to fragmented sleep, excessive sleeping as a standalone symptom is more reflective of other conditions. Similarly, inability to recall dreams and night terrors relate more to different sleep disorders, such as REM Sleep Behavior Disorder or Nightmares. Thus, snoring and breathing pauses remain the definitive symptoms pointing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea.