Believe it or not there are more than 80 different sleep disorders that wreak havoc in bedrooms everywhere. The two most common ones are insomnia and sleep apnea. It is currently estimated that they are present in some form in almost a quarter of households across the United States.  


Insomnia Vs Sleep Apnea


Insomnia refers to difficulty falling or staying asleep, while sleep apnea refers to difficulty breathing during sleep. While these conditions are fundamentally different and require different treatments they tend to have some overlap and both of them can wreak havoc on your overall quality of life.  


Both insomnia and sleep apnea are not just sleep disorders;  they are also conditions that can impact multiple aspects of your overall health and wellbeing. Poor quantity or quality of sleep causes sleep disruption and can manifest in the body in many ways from cardiovascular issues to cognitive challenges, weight management difficulties to heightened pain perception. Their ripple effect is undeniable. Taking steps to address sleep apnea or insomnia can lead to improved overall health and well-being.


Considering all the links between sleep apnea and various chronic medical conditions, it's essential to recognize the value of a good night's rest. Quality sleep is not only crucial for physical health but also for mental clarity and emotional stability. 


Treatment Ideas


Insomnia treatments focus on getting the mind and sleep environment prepped for sleep.  Many people benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, or prioritizing sleep hygiene. Additionally creating environments conducive to sleep is key, this means consistent sleep and wake times, a cooler temperature, not doing other activities in bed and darkness. Also, avoiding too much blue light, caffeine or napping can help as well.  


Sleep apnea treatments aim to support or open the airway to improve breathing. Many people can benefit from avoiding alcohol, side sleeping, or weight loss. When simple therapies are not enough CPAP, or oral appliance therapy provides the additional support many people need. Seeking appropriate therapy from qualified medical professionals for both conditions can significantly improve one's overall quality of life both at night and during the day.  

It is important to identify the root cause of your unique sleep troubles so that you can seek the most appropriate type of treatment for your needs.


If you are looking for an effective sleep apnea treatment in the Castle Rock or Denver metro area let Dr. McLain at Refresh Snoring and Sleep Apnea Center help. 

Please call 303-688-6630 or use our online form today to request an appointment.