Excessive daytime sleepiness is often more than just a lack of rest—it can be a sign of untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This condition is marked by repeated pauses in breathing, lasting more than 10 seconds, throughout the night. These episodes can occur hundreds of times, disrupting deep sleep and leaving you exhausted the next day. Even more concerning, OSA lowers oxygen levels (hypoxemia), which can trigger dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. Left untreated, it significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Recognizing the signs of sleep apnea early is key to protecting both your sleep and overall health.