How Does Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea Affect Daily Life? September 25, 2026 How Does Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea (COMISA) Affect Daily Life? We all know how difficult it can be to get through the day after a poor night's sleep. But for people living with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), disrupted sleep can become an ongoing problem that affects much more than how tired they feel. This combination is known as comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea, or COMISA. Around 30 to 40% of people with insomnia also have sleep apnea, while 30 to 50% of people with sleep apnea experience insomnia symptoms.1 In Australia, up to 10% of adults are thought to have COMISA.2 When sleep is disrupted from both directions Insomnia can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or return to sleep after waking too early. With OSA, the airway repeatedly narrows or closes during sleep, causing breathing interruptions and further awakenings. For someone with COMISA, this means that even after finally falling asleep, their sleep may continue to be interrupted by breathing problems. The result can be a night of fragmented, poor-quality sleep that does not leave them feeling properly rested in the morning. Getting through the day can be harder The effects of COMISA do not stop when you get out of bed. Both insomnia and OSA are associated with daytime fatigue, sleepiness and concentration difficulties.2 When they occur together, these problems can have an even greater impact on daytime functioning.3 Everyday tasks that would normally feel straightforward may require more effort. Staying focused at work, remembering information or maintaining concentration during a long meeting can become challenging. Research suggests that people with COMISA experience greater impairment in daytime functioning and quality of life than people with either insomnia or OSA alone.3 Driving and safety can be affected Daytime sleepiness can also become a safety issue. Sleep disorders can slow reaction times and increase the risk of errors and motor vehicle accidents.2 Feeling yourself becoming sleepy while driving is therefore something that should never be ignored. The impact can extend beyond tiredness Living with persistently poor sleep can affect how you feel throughout the day. People with COMISA may experience irritability and reduced quality of life, alongside poorer physical health.1, 2 Research has also linked COMISA with poorer cardiovascular health compared with having either condition alone.2 Over time, these effects can influence work, relationships, daily activities and your overall sense of wellbeing. Do not simply put up with poor sleep Regularly feeling exhausted or struggling through the day should not automatically be accepted as part of a busy life. If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep alongside symptoms such as loud snoring, gasping, breathing pauses, unrefreshing sleep or persistent daytime fatigue, speak with your doctor. Identifying and treating both insomnia and sleep apnea may help you get better-quality sleep and feel more like yourself during the day. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help When poor sleep is affecting your day, understanding everything that may be contributing to it matters. At Sove CPAP Clinic, our Sleep and Respiratory Physicians and Treatment Consultants can assess your symptoms and potential signs of both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. We offer bulk-billed home sleep studies for eligible patients to investigate sleep apnea and personalised treatment pathways based on your individual needs. This may include insomnia support, CPAP therapy, mandibular advancement splints (MAS), or further care with our clinical team. If poor sleep is leaving you exhausted, struggling to concentrate or waking unrefreshed, call our friendly team on 1300 76 29 39 or email info@thecpapclinic.com.au to find out how Sove can help. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. MAS is intended to assist in and or prevent snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea. When considering whether a sleep study, MAS or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References 1. “General Practitioner Management of Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnoea.” Australian Journal of General Practice, 2024, https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2023/september/general-practitioner-management-of-comorbid-insomn. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026. 2. Sleep Health Foundation. “Co-Morbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnoea.” Sleephealthfoundation.Org.Au, Sleep Health Foundation, 19 Feb. 2025, https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-disorders/co-morbid-insomnia-and-sleep-apnoea. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026. 3. Sweetman, Alexander, et al. “Co-Morbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea (COMISA): Prevalence, Consequences, Methodological Considerations, and Recent Randomized Controlled Trials.” Brain Sciences, vol. 9, no. 12, Dec. 2019, p. 371, https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci9120371.
