Yes. Sleep apnea can cause or worsen insomnia by repeatedly interrupting your sleep and triggering sudden awakenings throughout the night.
Sleep apnea occurs when your airway partially or fully collapses during sleep. When this happens, your breathing pauses for a few seconds, causing your oxygen level to drop. Your brain reacts by briefly waking you up to reopen the airway. These awakenings are often so short that you don’t remember them — but they break your sleep cycle and create the same symptoms people experience with insomnia.
How Sleep Apnea Causes Insomnia
Sleep apnea and insomnia are strongly connected. Here’s how the cycle develops:
- Breathing stops repeatedly due to an obstructed airway.
- Your brain triggers a wake-up response to restart breathing.
- You wake up many times per hour, even if you don’t consciously notice.
- Your sleep becomes light, fragmented, and unrefreshing.
- Over time, you begin to experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which is classic insomnia.
This combination is known as COMISA — “comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea” — and it affects many patients.
Signs Your Insomnia May Be Linked to Sleep Apnea
- Trouble staying asleep during the night
- Waking up gasping, choking, or short of breath
- Loud, disruptive snoring
- Morning headaches or dry mouth
- Excessive daytime tiredness
- Feeling unrefreshed despite sleeping for hours
- Restless or fragmented sleep
If these symptoms are present, untreated sleep apnea may be the underlying cause of your insomnia.
Why Treatment Matters
When sleep apnea is treated, insomnia often improves because your sleep becomes deeper and more continuous. Many patients report:
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Falling asleep more easily
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Staying asleep longer
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Fewer nighttime awakenings
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Increased energy during the day
Common treatments such as CPAP therapy, oral appliances, or lifestyle changes can significantly improve both conditions.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should see a sleep specialist if:
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Your insomnia persists for more than a few weeks
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You snore loudly or stop breathing during sleep
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You wake up tired even after a full night’s rest
A sleep study can confirm whether sleep apnea is contributing to your insomnia and guide you toward effective treatment.
Need Help With Insomnia or Sleep Apnea?
If you’re struggling with insomnia, snoring, or unrefreshing sleep, professional evaluation can make all the difference.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward better, healthier sleep.