Insomnia vs Sleep Apnea: Knowing the Difference Could Save Your Life
Many people confuse insomnia with sleep apnea. Both can leave you tired, irritable, and unable to focus. But they’re very different problems. Knowing the difference matters. One can be annoying. The other can be dangerous. Here’s how to tell them apart—and why you need to take both seriously. What Is Insomnia? Insomnia means trouble sleeping. You either can't fall asleep, or you keep waking up through the night. Some people wake up too early and can’t get back to sleep. It can last a few days or go on for months. Common causes include: Stress or anxiety Depression Hormonal changes Pain or chronic illness Poor sleep habits (like too much screen time at night) You may lie in bed for hours. Or you wake up at 3 a.m. and stay awake. Even if you're tired, your brain won’t shut off. That’s classic insomnia. What Is Sleep Apnea? Sleep apnea is a physical problem. Your airway gets blocked while you're asleep. That makes you stop breathing for short periods—...