Sleep Apnea and Insomnia: Interlinked Disorders with Distinct Characteristics

Quality sleep is essential for getting rest and recharging your mind and body. This helps in reducing other health complications and enhances daily functioning. But for some, this becomes a challenge. People in India are experiencing sleep disorders more than you realise.  

Sleep disorders can co-exist with each other, like insomnia and sleep apnea. Both can exacerbate each other's condition. Therefore, it is crucial to address the disorder to improve overall health. Our experts at Cadabam's MindTalk can offer personalised treatment plans, including therapies, medications if needed, lifestyle changes and mindfulness practices to help you manage the condition. 

What are Sleep Apnea and Insomnia? 

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where an individual repeatedly stops and starts breathing, lasting from a few seconds to minutes, which can make it very difficult to achieve deep sleep and result in feeling tired the next day. On the other hand, insomnia is the most common type of sleep disorder, characterised by the inability to fall or stay asleep, which can lead to many health problems. 

Types of Sleep Apnea 

Sleep apnea can manifest differently, in terms of severity and frequency level for various reasons. Individuals experiencing a sleep disorder like sleep apnea often wake up without feeling rested, impacting work or school performance and social relationships. The three most common types of sleep apnea are    

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) 

OSA occurs when the muscles in the face and neck relax during sleep, including the soft tissues in the back of your throat, and this could bring about partial or complete blockage of the airways. Thus, to reopen your airways, the diaphragm and chest muscles have to work much more than during normal breathing; most commonly, you begin to breathe with large gulps and can also gasp and jerk. These episodes can interfere with sleep, decrease the oxygen delivery to certain body parts, and cause an irregular heartbeat. 

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea 

Treatment-emergent central sleep apnea is also known as complex sleep apnea and is a combination of other types of sleep apnea: OSA and central sleep apnea. This condition occurs when an individual is diagnosed with OCA and uses continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy as a treatment.  

Complex sleep apnea occurs when someone with OCA develops this condition as a result of continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Insomnia can also be a contributor. 

Central sleep apnea (CSA) 

CSA happens when your brain does not send signals to your muscles to breathe because of abnormalities in your respiratory centre. It’s connected with the work of your central nervous system. This type most often occurs in individuals with neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS), people with a history or risk of stroke or heart failure, and opioid pain medication users.  

How Common Is Sleep Apnea? 

Experts estimate that about 5% to 10% of people are affected by sleep apnea globally. Certain situations and populations are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea than others: 

• Adult over 60 

• Obese people  

• Asian, Hispanic, or Black community  

• Opioid pain medication users 

• People with heart issues 

• History of using CPAP therapy  

Common Symptoms: Sleep Apnea and Insomnia 

Knowing your symptoms can help diagnose accurately, but for sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea, a few common symptoms exist in both conditions, making it hard to diagnose. Some of them are 

• Morning headaches  

• Dry mouth  

• Difficulty staying asleep  

• Daytime drowsiness  

• Problem concentrating or focusing on tasks 

• Forgetfulness  

• Irritability and other mood changes 

Exploring the Link between Sleep Apnea and Insomnia 

Sleep apnea and insomnia, though are considered separate forms of sleep disorders, they are connected. One can affect the other, creating a vicious cycle. This negatively affects their overall sleep quality and daily functioning. 

How Sleep Apnea Contributes to Insomnia 

Interrupted breathing during sleep can cause insomnia. The frequent awakenings due to gasping for air disrupt sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Therefore, you can easily get tired during the day and have difficulty daily functioning. These constant interferences can develop anxiety about sleep time and this in turn worsens the situation by making it even harder for one to fall asleep. This creates a cycle of sleep deprivation and insomnia. 

Case Studies and Research 

Many studies have shown a strong link between sleep apnea and insomnia. A person with sleep apnea has a higher chance of experiencing insomnia. It has been evidenced in these studies that managing sleep apnea leads to a reduction of insomnia symptoms, highlighting the importance of approaching both conditions simultaneously to enhance sleep quality. 

Diagnosis and Testing 

Even though insomnia and sleep apnea share common symptoms, it is imperative to get an accurate diagnosis and test to improve sleep quality and reduce the risks of other health complications. This involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and sleep studies. 

Home vs. Clinical Sleep Studies 

Clinical and home sleep studies differ in their methodologies and scopes. Polysomnography, a clinical sleep test, is conducted in a hospital or sleep clinic and involves thorough monitoring of an individual's progress. This setting allows professionals to diagnose difficult situations effectively since it offers comprehensive information about breathing patterns and helps each individual understand why they occur.  

On the other hand, home sleep studies provide a more practical choice in which patients utilise portable equipment to monitor oxygen levels and airflow inside the comfort of their own homes. They can accurately diagnose sleep apnea even when not being in the hospital. It is a perfect choice for someone who would rather be tested in a more comfortable or familiar setting. 

Key Diagnostic Criteria 

There are several key factors to consider when diagnosing sleep apnea. These can help improve sleep quality and rule out possibilities of other health complications. A sleep disorder professional might ask you or your bed partner about your symptoms, like 

• The regularity and intensity of pauses in breathing 

• Duration of oxygen desaturations 

• Existence of symptoms during the day, including snoring or increased daytime drowsiness 

• Heart rate and blood pressure 

Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea and Insomnia 

Treatments for insomnia and sleep apnea require a holistic approach, including medical devices, behavioural therapies, and lifestyle modifications. A combination of these options is tailored to align with each individual unique symptoms and needs.   

CPAP and Other Medical Devices 

CPAP is a practice that is often prescribed to moderate and severe sleep apnea patients to provide pressurised air through a mask that will help keep the airways open during sleep. While it can be effective, it may be initially uncomfortable, and one may need to adjust the mask or attempt different types of one. The key is to use it regularly without neglecting the scheduled appointments with the healthcare provider to address any concerns and changes. 

In some situations, other medical equipment, such as oral appliances or surgery, could be considered. These devices may not directly treat insomnia, even though they are useful in treating sleep apnea. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia 

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used behavioural therapies. It helps individuals to navigate their unhealthy thought patterns and behaviours that keep them awake at night or unable to fall deep asleep and transform into healthy thinking processes that improve quality sleep. CBT also includes healthy sleep habits and skills to reduce anxiety about sleeplessness. CBT is very useful in treating insomnia, and by enhancing general sleep quality, it can also help those with sleep apnea. 

Lifestyle Adjustments and Home Remedies 

Apart from therapies and other medications, lifestyle changes can significantly impact both sleep apnea and insomnia, such as 

• Reducing screen time or not using it before bed 

• Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise 

• Using blackout curtains  

• Avoiding alcohol, heavy meals, or caffeine before bed  

• Creating sleep conducive environment 

• Refrain from taking long naps  

When to Seek Professional Help 

Sometimes, insomnia or sleep apnea symptoms are hard to recognise. Asking your bed partner can help navigating your condition. If you notice symptoms like morning headaches, dry mouth, problems concentrating or focusing on tasks, forgetfulness or mood changes, seek professional help or consult your primary physician. They will refer to sleep specialists. Early interventions can help lessen the impact. 

Signs Your Condition May Be Serious 

Recognising your state of sleep health can help in providing prompt interventions. Symptoms like severe pain, difficulty breathing, persistent fever, sudden weight loss, or unstable mental health can be indications of being a serious condition. 

Finding the Right Specialist 

Sleep apnea and insomnia can impair daily functioning and affect work or school performance. Therefore, it is essential to find the right sleep specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to enhance sleep quality and improve overall well-being. Check if your healthcare provider has experience treating sleep disorders and whether their treatment approaches align with your specific symptoms and severity level. 

Taking Action on Sleep Apnea and Insomnia with MindTalk 

There are many resources available to treat insomnia and sleep apnea, but not everything can work for your condition. Therefore, getting the correct diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Our sleep experts at Cadabam's MindTalk offer a holistic approach to managing the disorders, including a thorough process to get an accurate diagnosis and rule out the possibility of another health issue, behavioural therapies, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and other medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and home remedies. These help to enhance sleep quality, regain the natural sleep cycle, and improve another aspect of well-being. 

FAQs

What is sleep-disordered breathing? 

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a condition where breathing is disrupted during sleep. It includes a range of issues, from snoring and increased breathing effort to more severe conditions like sleep apnea.    

What is the difference between sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB)? 

Sleep apnea is a specific type of sleep-disordered breathing. It occurs when breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. SDB is a broader category that includes sleep apnea, as well as other conditions affecting breathing while asleep 

How do you fix sleep-disordered breathing? 

Treatment for sleep-disordered breathing depends on the specific diagnosis. Options for sleep apnea include CPAP therapy, oral appliances, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Other forms of SDB may require different treatments, such as addressing nasal congestion or allergies.