Sleep apnea is a disorder. Although sleep apnea is no longer considered a disability, it can contribute to a wide range of physical and mental health issues that are recognized as disabilities. While sleep apnea is a common condition, many people are unaware that the pauses in breathing during sleep that often cause fatigue can also be a sign of a disability. Sleep apnea is sometimes considered a disability because it impairs the person’s ability to function normally in day-to-day activities. Sleep apnea can range from mild to severe, but in almost all cases, the pauses in breathing during sleep cause fatigue in the morning, and also often result in a headache upon awakening.