When Insomnia and Sleep Apnea Occur Together and Its Effects on Mental Wellbeing October 21, 2026 When Insomnia and Sleep Apnea Occur Together and Its Effects on Mental Wellbeing Struggling to fall asleep is frustrating enough. Add repeated breathing interruptions throughout the night, and getting genuinely restorative sleep can become even more difficult. For some people, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occur at the same time, a combination known as comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea, or COMISA. When these two sleep disorders overlap, the effects can extend well beyond feeling tired. Poor sleep may affect concentration, emotional regulation and your overall sense of wellbeing.1 When Two Sleep Problems Overlap Insomnia and OSA are two common sleep disorders, and they frequently occur together. Research suggests that around 30 to 50 per cent of people with OSA report clinically significant insomnia symptoms, while 30 to 40 per cent of people with insomnia may meet the diagnostic criteria for OSA when assessed using overnight polysomnography.1 The two conditions can disrupt sleep in different ways. Insomnia may make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep or return to sleep after waking. OSA, meanwhile, causes repeated breathing interruptions and arousals throughout the night. When they occur together, sleep can become particularly fragmented. How COMISA Can Affect Your Day Interestingly, COMISA doesn't always look like simply feeling sleepy all day. People may instead experience persistent fatigue, mental exhaustion and reduced alertness.2 Research has also linked COMISA with difficulties in working memory, concentration and information processing.2 This can make everyday activities feel more demanding, whether you're trying to stay focused at work, remember what you need from the supermarket or keep up with a busy conversation. The Connection With Mental Wellbeing When you repeatedly miss out on restorative sleep, it can become harder to feel and function at your best. Research has linked COMISA with increased anxiety and stress, as well as irritability, reduced motivation and difficulties with emotional regulation.1, 2 These effects can spill into everyday life. You may have less patience than usual, find daily stresses more difficult to manage or struggle to maintain the same level of performance at work or in your relationships. Can COMISA Be Treated? Because COMISA involves two sleep disorders, recognising both conditions is important. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered a first-line treatment for insomnia and has also been shown to improve insomnia symptoms in people with COMISA. OSA treatment will depend on your individual needs and the severity of the condition. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy works by delivering pressurised air through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep. For some people, a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) may also be an option. This oral appliance gently holds the lower jaw forward during sleep, helping to keep the airway open and reduce breathing interruptions. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help If poor sleep is affecting your energy, concentration or emotional wellbeing, understanding what is disrupting your sleep can be an important first step. Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic is a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services in Australia, with over 100 clinics nationwide. Our sleep and respiratory clinicians and treatment consultants can help investigate sleep concerns, including obstructive sleep apnea. Where appropriate, we offer bulk-billed home sleep studies for eligible patients and can help guide you towards personalised treatment options based on your individual needs and results. If you're regularly struggling to sleep, waking unrefreshed, snoring or feeling persistently fatigued during the day, speak to your doctor. You can also 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. MAS is intended to reduce or alleviate snoring and mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study, MAS, or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&C’s apply. References 1. Sweetman, Alexander, et al. “Effect of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms on Response to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Patients with Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, vol. 17, no. 3, 2021, pp. 545–554. PubMed Central, doi:10.5664/jcsm.8944 2) Popovici, Cristian, et al. “The Hidden Burden of COMISA: Clinical Implications and Treatment Challenges.” Pulmonary Therapy, vol. 12, no. 1, 2026, pp. 25–38. PubMed Central, doi:10.1007/s41030-025-00331-0.
