Insomnia does not directly cause sleep apnea, but the two sleep disorders can be closely related and often occur together.
Insomnia is a condition where a person has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. It’s often linked to stress, anxiety, depression, or irregular sleep habits. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a physical condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to airway blockage (obstructive sleep apnea) or brain signal issues (central sleep apnea).
While one doesn’t cause the other, people with untreated sleep apnea often report symptoms similar to insomnia, such as:
- Frequent nighttime awakenings
- Trouble staying asleep
- Feeling unrefreshed in the morning
Over time, this can lead to chronic insomnia, even though the root cause is breathing interruptions. Similarly, people who already suffer from insomnia may develop anxiety about sleep, which increases awareness of nighttime breathing issues — making sleep apnea more noticeable.
Why It Matters:
Many individuals don’t realize they may have both conditions. This is known as COMISA (co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnea), and it requires a specific treatment approach that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of poor sleep.
When to Seek Help:
If you experience:
- Loud snoring
- Waking up gasping or choking
- Difficulty staying asleep
- Morning headaches
- Daytime fatigue
…it’s important to get evaluated by a sleep specialist or mental health professional. We can help you determine whether your symptoms are due to insomnia, sleep apnea, or both — and guide you toward an effective treatment plan.