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, affecting about 30% of adults worldwide. It's primarily a problem with sleep initiation or maintenance. Sleep apnea, however, is a breathing disorder where airflow repeatedly stops during sleep for 10+ seconds, affecting roughly 25 million Americans. People with sleep apnea often don't realize they're waking up multiple times per night. While insomnia leaves you aware of poor sleep quality, sleep apnea sufferers may feel tired despite thinking they slept well. Sleep apnea requires medical evaluation as it can lead to serious cardiovascular complications.

Related Questions

• What are the main symptoms of sleep apnea?

• How is insomnia diagnosed by doctors?

• Can you have both insomnia and sleep apnea?

• What treatments work best for chronic insomnia?

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