Which symptom is most commonly associated with sleep apnea?

Daytime sleepiness is the most commonly associated symptom of sleep apnea due to the repetitive interruptions in breathing that occur during sleep, leading to fragmented sleep and insufficient time spent in restorative sleep stages. Individuals with sleep apnea often experience frequent awakenings and a reduced quality of sleep, which contributes to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. This can affect their daily functioning, mood, and overall quality of life.

While chronic cough, chest pain, and nasal congestion can be related to various respiratory conditions, they are not the direct, primary symptoms indicative of sleep apnea. Chronic cough might arise from other respiratory issues or related complications, chest pain can stem from multiple cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, and nasal congestion may be associated with allergies or sinus problems. However, daytime sleepiness specifically points to the hallmark of sleep apnea, making it the key symptom to recognize in diagnosing this condition.