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Is There a Link Between Sleep Apnea and Insomnia?
Many individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also report struggling with insomnia—difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Yet, conventional treatment often focuses on one condition at a time, missing the broader connection between the two.
Recent research by Dr. Danny Eckert, an Australian sleep scientist, shows that insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea frequently overlap, creating a complex cycle of disrupted sleep. His findings emphasize the need for a more holistic approach, including sleep apnea supportive therapy, to treat both issues simultaneously for meaningful results.
Does Sleep Apnea Cause Insomnia?
The Overlap Between Sleep Apnea and Insomnia
OSA disrupts sleep by causing repeated interruptions in breathing throughout the night. Each time breathing stops, even briefly, the brain partially awakens to restore airflow. Over time, these awakenings can condition the brain to remain hyper-alert during sleep hours, creating insomnia-like patterns.
Dr. Eckert’s research introduced the concept of COMISA (co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnea), highlighting that these two conditions often exist together. Simply treating one—either sleep apnea or insomnia—often leads to limited improvement. Patients need a treatment plan that recognizes both conditions and how they interact.
Symptoms That Point to a Dual Diagnosis
If you experience a combination of the following symptoms, you may need a dual diagnosis approach:
- Difficulty staying asleep through the night
- Frequent awakenings gasping for air
- Daytime fatigue despite spending enough time in bed
- Anxiety or dread around bedtime due to previous poor sleep experiences
Recognizing these signs early can guide you toward more effective treatment and long-term recovery.
Traditional Treatments and Their Limitations
Why a Sleep Apnea Machine Alone May Not Work
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy remains the gold standard for treating OSA. However, patients with COMISA often struggle with compliance. Wearing a mask throughout the night or adjusting to the pressurized air can create new sleep challenges, particularly for those already sensitive to disruptions.
For some patients, the sleep apnea machine itself becomes a barrier to restful sleep rather than a solution. In these cases, exploring CPAP alternatives or other supportive therapies can make a significant difference.
Behavioral Therapy Alone Isn’t Always Enough
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is highly effective at reducing sleep anxiety and retraining the brain for better sleep. However, it does not resolve the physical interruptions caused by apnea.
Dr. Eckert’s work shows that addressing only insomnia or only apnea typically results in partial success at best. Long-term recovery requires targeting both the mental and physical components of sleep disturbance.
The Role of Sleep Apnea Supportive Therapy
What Is Supportive Therapy for Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea supportive therapy combines multiple treatment strategies to address both sleep apnea and insomnia simultaneously. These can include:
- An oral appliance for sleep apnea to keep the airway open without the bulk of a CPAP machine
- Sleep coaching to reduce bedtime anxiety and promote healthier sleep habits
- Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, reduced alcohol intake, and positional therapy to minimize airway collapse
- Integrated behavioral therapy tailored to patients managing dual diagnoses
This comprehensive approach acknowledges that successful treatment must consider both the mind and body.
Why Treating Both Conditions Matters
When only one part of the problem is addressed, symptoms often persist or return. Patients may become discouraged or feel trapped in a cycle of failed therapies.
A dual approach with sleep apnea supportive therapy improves both adherence and outcomes. Patients sleep more deeply, experience fewer awakenings, and report better energy and mood during the day. Combining physical treatment with behavioral support offers a more complete path to healing.
If you are ready to explore treatment designed around your needs, get treatment today.
What to Expect from a Supportive Treatment Plan
Multi-Faceted Care for Better Results
At Refreshed Sleep, our supportive therapy programs begin with a thorough sleep assessment to understand both apnea severity and insomnia behaviors. From there, we create a custom care plan that may include:
- Personalized device fitting, such as an oral appliance for sleep apnea
- Sleep coaching to manage nighttime anxiety and build healthy habits
- Follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust therapy as needed
Each element works together to create a better, more sustainable sleep experience. You can view real-world outcomes by visiting our Results page.
Finding the Right Provider
Not all sleep clinics screen for both insomnia and OSA. Choosing a provider who understands dual diagnosis sleep therapy ensures you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.
Our team at Refreshed Sleep works to treat insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea as interconnected challenges, helping patients achieve lasting improvement. Explore our locations to find a center near you.
Conclusion
When insomnia and sleep apnea occur together, treating only one often leaves patients frustrated and exhausted. Research by Dr. Danny Eckert and others highlights the need for sleep apnea supportive therapy that addresses both conditions in tandem.
If you have tried CPAP therapy or insomnia interventions alone without success, it may be time to explore a holistic approach.
Start your personalized care journey with Refreshed Snoring & Sleep Apnea Center today—and take the next step toward true rest.
