Key Differences between Sleep Apnea and Insomnia

December 7, 2021

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder. In fact, about half of all people experience its symptoms occasionally, and 10 percent of Americans suffer from chronic insomnia. Sleep apnea is the second most common sleep disorder; it affects an estimated 22 million Americans. Both of these conditions can rob you of the rest you need to function and feel your best, but there are some key differences between the two. Let’s discuss how you can recognize each of them.

Insomnia

Insomnia has a rather broad definition. It refers to instances when a person has difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and obtaining high-quality sleep even though they have plenty of time and opportunity to get enough rest. Insomnia can be caused by any number of things. For example, you might experience it for a single night if you overindulge in caffeine or are worried about something. Or, it can be a long-term condition that robs you of rest night after night for weeks, months, or even years on end.

Sleep Apnea

There are a few different types of sleep apnea, but the most common variety is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It is a physiological condition wherein tissues in the throat block the airway during sleep, causing repeated pauses in breathing. It can be caused by anatomical abnormalities, a large neck circumference, airway inflammation, and numerous other things.

Recognizing the Difference

Although sleep apnea and insomnia have distinct definitions, there is often some overlap between them. In fact, a high number of people who complain of insomnia also have OSA. Moreover, the two conditions have similar symptoms, including daytime fatigue, mood problems, and decreased work productivity.

How can you tell which problem is the true cause of your sleep woes? The best way is by consulting a qualified sleep physician, who can help you arrange to take a sleep test. During the test, machines will monitor your breathing and other vital signs for a night. After an expert analyzes your results, you will have more insight into why you can’t seem to get enough rest.

However, even before your sleep test, you might be able to get a fair idea of whether you have OSA by answering a few simple questions:

  • Does your partner complain that you snore loudly, or have they expressed concern because you sometimes stop breathing during the night?
  • Do you often wake up gasping for air?
  • Do you often wake up with a dry mouth, sore throat, or headache?

If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, it is possible that your insomnia is linked to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea and snoring treatments might be the key to helping you conquer both your OSA and your insomnia. A better night’s rest could be within your reach!

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Mogell, a board-certified specialist in sleep medicine with over 10 years of experience treating sleep breathing disorders is the practice’s founder and primary practitioner. The practice has three South Florida locations: Melbourne, Vero Beach, and Boca Raton. To learn more about Florida Dental Sleep Disorders and Dr. Kenneth Mogell, contact our team at 844-294-7559We accept Medicare, Tricare and most medical insurance!