Can Sleep Apnea Affect Memory and Concentration? October 15, 2026 Can Sleep Apnea Affect Memory and Concentration? We all have days when we feel a little forgetful or find it harder than usual to concentrate. But if you’re regularly losing track of conversations, struggling to stay focused or forgetting things you would normally remember, your sleep could be playing a role. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) does more than cause snoring and tiredness. Research suggests that untreated OSA can also affect cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory and executive functioning.1 Why Can Sleep Apnea Affect Your Thinking? Obstructive sleep apnea causes the airway to repeatedly narrow or close during sleep, leading to interruptions in breathing.2 These episodes can cause brief drops in oxygen levels and repeatedly disrupt sleep, sometimes without you even realising you have woken up.2 Over time, this combination of fragmented sleep and intermittent reductions in oxygen may affect how well the brain functions during the day.3 Research has found that people with OSA can experience difficulties with attention, working memory and executive functions, which are the mental skills we use to plan, organise and complete tasks.1 This might show up in everyday life as struggling to concentrate during a meeting, forgetting why you walked into a room, losing track of what you were doing or finding it harder to take in new information. Sleep Plays an Important Role in Memory Sleep isn't simply a period when your brain switches off. While you sleep, your brain is actively processing and organising information from the day. Sleep helps strengthen connections between brain cells and supports the process of consolidating new information into longer-term memories.4 When sleep is repeatedly interrupted, as it can be with untreated OSA, these important processes may be disrupted. Studies have found that people with untreated sleep disorders such as OSA may perform more poorly on certain memory tasks compared with healthy adults.1 However, experiencing forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating does not necessarily mean you have permanent cognitive impairment. Daytime sleepiness itself may contribute to some of these difficulties.4 OSA Treatment The encouraging news is that OSA is treatable. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy helps keep the airway open during sleep, reducing breathing interruptions and improving sleep quality.2 Alternatively, a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) works by gently holding the lower jaw forward during sleep, helping to keep the airway open and reduce breathing interruptions.2 How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help If forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating or daytime tiredness has become a regular part of your day, it may be worth looking at the quality of your sleep. 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 that may be contributing to poor concentration, memory difficulties or persistent daytime fatigue. 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 waking unrefreshed, struggling with daytime fatigue or experiencing symptoms such as loud snoring, 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 you take the next step. 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. Krysta, Krzysztof, et al. “Cognitive Deficits in Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Compared to Children and Adolescents.” Journal of Neural Transmission, vol. 124, no. Suppl 1, 2017, pp. 187–201, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-015-1501-6. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026. 2) “Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Causes & Symptoms.” Sleep Foundation, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/obstructive-sleep-apnea. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026. 3. Sleep Health Foundation. “Memory, Thinking and Sleep | Sleep Health Foundation.” Www.Sleephealthfoundation.Org.Au, 21 Jan. 2025, https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/memory-thinking-and-sleep. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026. 4) “OSA and Cognitive Performance, Focus and Memory - Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland.” Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland, 6 Aug. 2019, https://thoracicandsleep.com.au/blog/osa-and-cognitive-performance-focus-and-memory/. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.
