What is the Difference Between Insomnia and Sleep Apnea?

Insomnia and sleep apnea are distinct sleep disorders with different underlying causes and symptoms. Insomnia involves difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Insomnia symptoms are common, but prevalence estimates vary depending on how insomnia is defined and the population studied. It's primarily a problem with sleep initiation or maintenance. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops or becomes markedly reduced during sleep. Estimates of how many Americans have it vary, and many cases may be undiagnosed. People with sleep apnea often don't realize they're waking up multiple times per night. People with insomnia are often aware of difficulty sleeping. People with sleep apnea may not notice nighttime breathing interruptions and may instead experience daytime sleepiness or fatigue, although symptoms and awareness vary. Possible sleep apnea should be evaluated by a healthcare professional because untreated sleep apnea is associated with cardiovascular and other health risks. Persistent insomnia may also warrant medical evaluation.