What is a symptom of sleep apnea?

Labored breathing during sleep is a primary symptom of sleep apnea, which is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This condition can often result in shallow breaths or pauses in breathing that can last for several seconds to minutes, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and decreased oxygen intake.

Individuals with sleep apnea may not be aware that they are experiencing these breathing interruptions, but they often experience other related symptoms, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating, stemming from the poor quality of sleep. Recognizing labored breathing during sleep is crucial because it can lead a person to seek evaluation and treatment, which may include lifestyle changes, the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices, or other interventions. This symptom directly highlights the respiratory aspect of the disorder, distinguishing it from other sleep-related challenges that may not necessarily involve breathing difficulties.