Insomnia Has Been Linked to Sleep Apnea

For some people, it is truly a luxury to be able to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you are an insomniac, you may also be at risk for sleep apnea. Anyone that suffers from a sleep disorder truly understands the torture of trying to fall asleep whenever you want to get some rest. According to a National Sleep Foundation Poll conducted in 2002, 63 percent of women and 54 percent of men experience symptoms of insomnia at least a few times a week. In a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings completed by Dr. Barry Krakow, it was found that 91% of his patients who experienced insomnia but did not react well to the medication, also suffered from undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). What was previously considered to be a psychological condition now may be also related to sleep apnea, a known physical condition.

There are more than 124 medications which claim to treat insomnia, these are either prescription or over the counter. Dr. Krakow said, “We are used to seeing insomnia as a psychological condition, but in these drug failure cases, nearly all patients also suffered from a physical condition, obstructive sleep apnea.” They may have OSA but not realize they suffer from its symptoms, simply because they are aware they are suffering from insomnia. Some of the symptoms of insomnia include:

• Problems Falling Asleep • Waking Up with a Racing Mind in the Middle of the Night • Waking Up Too Early in the Morning • Feeling Tired Even After Sleep • Irritability During the Day • Trouble Paying Attention

It is important to note that you may be experiencing symptoms of insomnia and OSA but be unable to report those symptoms separate from one another because they only notice the insomnia. While pills can help with a quick fix, they may not correct the issue and “prescribing physicians often have difficulty when patients are failing drug treatments, causing long delays in getting tested and treated for sleep apnea.”

One of the best ways to correct signs of insomnia and identify any potential causes for the sleep issues is to schedule an appointment with a doctor that specializes in sleep and sleep disorders. If you are experiencing insomnia, schedule an appointment with a professional at FusionSleep. We will evaluate your sleep and diagnose any potential disorders.