What is a common symptom of sleep-disordered breathing?

Snoring or gasping for air while sleeping is a prominent symptom of sleep-disordered breathing, particularly in conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. This phenomenon occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to disrupted breathing patterns. Individuals may not only snore but also experience episodes where they momentarily stop breathing, prompting them to gasp for air as they wake briefly during the night. These interruptions in normal breathing can significantly affect sleep quality and overall health, making snoring and gasping key indicators of the condition.

While other symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness and difficulty waking up in the morning are also associated with sleep-disordered breathing, they stem from the underlying issue of poor sleep quality due to interrupted breathing. Snoring serves as a direct and immediate indicator of the mechanical issues occurring during sleep, thus making it a defining characteristic of sleep-disordered breathing.