3. Daytime Fatigue: More than Just Feeling Sleepy
One would assume that after a full night in bed, they’d wake up feeling refreshed. But for OSA patients, the opposite is true.
Due to the constant interruptions from apneas, they rarely get the deep, restorative sleep essential for bodily repair and cognitive functions. Sleep isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality. And with OSA, the quality is severely compromised.
Daytime fatigue is more than yawning throughout the day. OSA patients report difficulty concentrating, slowed reaction times, and even falling asleep during daily activities. This isn’t mere tiredness; it’s a profound exhaustion that doesn’t go away with a cup of coffee or even a short nap.
This relentless fatigue isn’t just bothersome; it’s hazardous. The risk of accidents, both on the job and while driving, increases dramatically for those with untreated OSA. Drowsy driving, in particular, can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, making this symptom one of the most perilous aspects of OSA.
Everyone has off days where they feel a bit sleepy. But a consistent pattern of waking up tired after a full night’s sleep, especially when paired with other OSA symptoms, needs investigation. Chronic fatigue impacts every aspect of life, from job performance to relationships, making it a critical symptom to recognize and address. (3)
