Persistent Fatigue After Daylight Saving Time? It Could Be More Than Just the Clock Change

While many people experience temporary tiredness following daylight saving time, ongoing fatigue may signal a more serious issue: obstructive sleep apnea.

Dr. Meena Khan from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center explains that chronic exhaustion despite adequate sleep time warrants investigation. "If you are giving yourself 7 to 8 hours of sleep and you're still waking up tired, you're tired during the day, then definitely looking for a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea is reasonable," she says.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a person's airway repeatedly closes during sleep. Warning signs include waking up unrested, low energy, difficulty concentrating, snoring, and daytime drowsiness. Left untreated, severe cases can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, and strokes.

The condition can be diagnosed through home sleep studies, and the most common treatment involves a CPAP device that keeps airways open during sleep.

Watch the full report above to learn more about identifying symptoms and when to seek medical evaluation for sleep disorders.