From healthshots.com
Sleep apnoea and insomnia are two distinct sleep disorders with different characteristics and underlying causes. Read on to know the differences between them.
Health Shots got in touch with Dr Rajiv Kovil, a diabetologist, and secretary at the United Diabetes Forum, to spot the difference between these two sleep disorders.
Dr Kovil says, “Sleep apnoea and insomnia are both sleep disorders that can affect the quality and duration of sleep, resulting in daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and reduced cognitive function. Both sleep apnoea and insomnia are relatively common sleep disorders, affecting a significant portion of the population; however, they differ in their underlying causes and symptoms.” So, let’s understand the difference between these conditions.
Difference between sleep apnea and insomnia
Here are the symptoms, causes, health risks and treatment options of both conditions which can help you understand the difference between these two sleep disorders.
Causes of sleep apnoea or insomnia
Sleep apnoea: It is primarily caused by the partial or complete blockage of the upper airway during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing and oxygen deprivation, and is characterized by pauses in breathing or shallow breathing during sleep. These pauses, known as apnoeas, can last for several seconds to minutes and can occur multiple times throughout the night. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is the most common type and is typically associated with physical factors such as obesity or anatomical abnormalities. Other types of sleep apnoea are central sleep apnoea (CSA), and complex sleep apnoea syndrome (a combination of OSA and CSA).
Insomnia: It is generally characterized by difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia can have various causes, including stress, anxiety, depression, medications, underlying medical conditions, or poor sleep hygiene. Insomnia can be classified into two categories: acute insomnia, which lasts for a short period of time, and chronic insomnia, which persists for at least three nights a week for three months or more.
Symptoms of sleep apnoea or insomnia
Sleep apnoea: The primary symptoms of sleep apnoea include loud and chronic snoring, abrupt awakenings accompanied by choking or gasping for air, daytime sleepiness, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
Insomnia: Symptoms of insomnia may include trouble falling asleep, frequent waking during the night, early morning awakenings, daytime fatigue, irritability, and difficulty focusing or concentrating.
Health risks of sleep apnoea or insomnia
Sleep apnoea: Untreated sleep apnoea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
Insomnia: Insomnia can lead to decreased quality of life, impaired cognitive function, an increased risk of accidents, and an association with mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.
Treatment options for sleep apnoea or insomnia
Sleep apnoea: Treatment options for sleep apnoea often include lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, positional therapy), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, oral appliances, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Insomnia: Treatment for insomnia can involve addressing the underlying causes, such as stress management, improving sleep hygiene practices, cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and, in some cases, short-term use of sleep medications.
Sleep apnoea and insomnia can also co-exist
Sleep apnoea is primarily characterised by interrupted breathing during sleep, resulting in snoring, daytime sleepiness, and poor sleep quality. Insomnia, on the other hand, is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to sleep deprivation, fatigue, and impaired daytime functioning. Moreover, it is important to note that sleep apnoea and insomnia can coexist in some individuals, further complicating their sleep-related difficulties. Hence, if you suspect you have either sleep apnoea or insomnia, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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