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Can a Cold Make Sleep Apnea Worse - and Vice Versa?

August 5, 2025

We’ve all been there - a runny nose, scratchy throat and that “can’t breathe through my nose” feeling that comes with a cold. For most of us, it’s just a few uncomfortable nights. But if you have sleep apnea, those sniffles might make your nights even tougher. And surprisingly, untreated sleep apnea could even make it harder to recover from that cold.

Why a Cold Can Make Sleep Apnea Worse

When you catch a cold, your nasal passages often become swollen and congested. This makes it harder for air to move freely through your nose, which can worsen snoring and airway obstruction – two key issues for people with sleep apnea.1

If you already use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine, you may find it feels less comfortable or that you wake up more often because of the blocked nose.2 When you’re congested and using a CPAP machine, the airflow has less space to move through because your airways are swollen and narrowed, which can feel uncomfortable. That strong airflow can also irritate your already inflamed airways, making you feel even worse.

Some people even stop using their CPAP during a cold, which can increase the risk of low oxygen levels and poor-quality sleep.2

Can Sleep Apnea Make Colds Worse?

Interestingly, the relationship goes both ways. Untreated sleep apnea means your body isn’t getting the deep, restorative sleep it needs. Poor sleep weakens your immune system, which makes it harder to fight off infections – including the common cold.3 You might notice colds hit harder, linger longer or leave you feeling more drained than they used to.

Plus, frequent night-time awakenings from sleep apnea can increase stress hormones in the body, which can also suppress immune function.4 In other words, untreated sleep apnea may not cause you to catch more colds, but it can make them feel worse and last longer.

What You Can Do

If you use a CPAP machine, don’t stop when you have a cold – just make it more comfortable. Heated humidifiers, saline sprays, or a full-face mask can help reduce congestion-related discomfort. Keeping your equipment clean is also essential to avoid spreading germs back to yourself.

If you haven’t been diagnosed but often feel tired, snore loudly or wake up choking or gasping – especially when colds seem to hit you harder – it’s worth talking to a doctor about whether sleep apnea might be part of the picture.

Bottom line: a cold and sleep apnea can make each other worse, but there are steps you can take to manage both.

If you regularly feel exhausted, snore loudly or have trouble shaking off colds, talk to your doctor. Treating sleep apnea can improve not only your sleep but also your overall health and resilience.

How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help

Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time.

If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.

References

  1. SEO, eight9. “Is Sleep Apnea Worse in the Winter?” CLM Sleep Co., 2 July 2025, www.clmsleep.com/is-sleep-apnea-worse-in-the-winter/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
  2. “Should You Use a CPAP Machine When You’re Sick?” Cleveland Clinic, health.clevelandclinic.org/using-cpap-when-sick.
  3. Suni, Eric, and Kimberly Truong. “How Sleep Affects Immunity.” Sleep Foundation, 15 Aug. 2023, www.sleepfoundation.org/physical-health/how-sleep-affects-immunity.
  4. Codesquad, and Codesquad. “The Connection between Sleep Quality and Immune Function.” Health Quest, 23 Nov. 2024, healthquest.com.au/the-connection-between-sleep-quality-and-immune-function/. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.