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Obstructive sleep apnea is primarily characterized by episodes of disrupted breathing during sleep, leading to interruptions in sleep patterns and significant daytime sleepiness. Extreme daylight fatigue results from the repeated awakenings during the night, which prevent adequate restorative sleep. This persistent tiredness can severely affect daily functioning, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed—regular headaches, joint pain, and frequent urination—are not specific to obstructive sleep apnea and could be caused by a variety of other health issues. While some individuals with obstructive sleep apnea may experience headaches due to oxygen deprivation at night or tension related to sleep disturbances, these headaches are less definitive as a primary symptom compared to extreme fatigue. Similarly, joint pain and frequent urination may arise from unrelated medical conditions and do not directly correlate to the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea. Thus, the hallmark symptom of obstructive sleep apnea is indeed the extreme fatigue experienced during the day.