Forgetfulness and Fatigue: Could Sleep Apnea Be the Hidden Cause?

Do you find yourself feeling foggy during the day, struggling to focus, or forgetting simple things — even after what felt like a full night’s sleep? It might not just be stress or a busy lifestyle. There’s a chance that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is silently affecting your brain and energy.

OSA is a common sleep disorder where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night due to a blocked airway.¹ These episodes often go unnoticed, but they cause your sleep to fragment and prevent you from getting the deep, restorative rest your brain needs.

Surprisingly, more than 85% of people with significant OSA have never been diagnosed.¹ That’s partly because many people aren’t aware they snore or wake frequently during the night. Common signs include loud snoring, restless sleep, daytime fatigue, and trouble with focus or memory — symptoms that are easy to dismiss or blame on a busy lifestyle.¹

But research shows a deeper impact. One study found that people with sleep apnea symptoms had a 50% higher chance of experiencing memory and thinking problems compared to those without symptoms.² A combined review of 42 studies showed that those with untreated OSA performed significantly worse on memory tasks than those without the condition.³

What’s more, poor sleep from OSA doesn’t just leave you tired — it may contribute to long-term changes in the brain. Repeated drops in oxygen levels and interrupted deep sleep have been linked to abnormalities in white matter, the part of the brain that supports memory and thinking.⁴ These changes are associated with higher risks of stroke, cognitive decline, and even dementia later in life.⁴

The good news? OSA treatment is highly effective. CPAP therapy is the gold standard and involves a bedside machine which gently blows air through a mask to keep your airway open, eliminating OSA symptoms.⁵

So, if you snore, feel exhausted during the day, or are noticing more mental fog than usual, don’t ignore it. These may be signs your brain isn’t getting the rest it needs.

Speak to your doctor about an at-home sleep study. A proper diagnosis could be the key to sharper thinking, better energy, and a healthier future.

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. Motamedi, Kevin K, et al. “Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Growing Problem.” The Ochsner Journal, vol. 9, no. 3, 2024, p. 149, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3096276/.
2. “Dementia: Can Sleep Apnea Contribute to Memory Issues?” Medical News Today, 3 Mar. 2024, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sleep-apnea-symptoms-may-cause-memory-problems#Sleep-apnea-linked-to-thinking-and-memory-issues.
3. Wallace, Anna, and Romola S. Bucks. “Memory and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-Analysis.” SLEEP, 1 Feb. 2013, https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.2374.
4. “Brain Health and Sleep: The Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.” Medical News Today, 12 May 2023, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-obstructive-sleep-apnea-negatively-impact-brain-health.
5. Andrade, Rafaela G. S., et al. “Nasal vs Oronasal CPAP for OSA Treatment: A Meta-Analysis.” Chest, vol. 153, no. 3, 1 Mar. 2018, pp. 665–674, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2017.10.044.