Do I Have Sleep Apnea or Insomnia?
Insomnia and sleep apnea are two distinct sleep disorders with different underlying causes and symptoms. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking up too early in the morning, and feeling tired or unrefreshed upon waking.
Insomnia may be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression, medical conditions, or medications. Behavioral and cognitive therapy, as well as medication, are common treatments for insomnia. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, which occurs when the muscles in the back of the throat fail to keep the airway open. This can lead to loud snoring, gasping or choking during sleep, restless sleep or frequent awakenings, and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of insomnia:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Waking up too early in the morning
- Feeling tired or not rested upon waking
- Daytime sleepiness
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Irritability or mood changes
Sleep apnea is often caused by factors such as obesity, a narrow airway, or certain medical conditions. Treatment for sleep apnea may involve lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or positional therapy, as well as the use of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to keep the airway open during sleep.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud snoring
- Pauses in breathing during sleep
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Headaches upon waking
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Mood changes or irritability
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
It's possible for someone to have both insomnia and sleep apnea at the same time, as they are separate sleep disorders with different underlying causes. If you are experiencing symptoms of either or both of these conditions, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
At CPAPMAN, we offer home sleep apnea testing that is convenient, effective and affordable. Click here or contact us for details.