Why You Need to Address Your Sleep Apnea Before You Treat Your Insomnia
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Sleep apnea affects many people and can lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks, diabetes, and chronic insomnia.
- It’s crucial to address sleep apnea before treating insomnia to ensure effective and safe treatment.
- Consult your primary care doctor or therapist to find local sleep clinics if you suspect sleep apnea.
- Common symptoms include loud snoring, daytime sleepiness, and difficulty sleeping despite good sleep hygiene.
- With proper evaluation and treatment, recovery from sleep apnea is possible, leading to better overall health and sleep.
Sleep Apnea and Insomnia: What You Need to Know
Sleep apnea, sleep apnea, sleep apnea — you’ve probably heard the term, but what does it really mean? If you’re not entirely sure, you’re far from alone. Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed sleep disorder that affects roughly 1 in 5 men and 1 in 10 women in the United States. And here’s the kicker — it can quietly wreak havoc on your overall health, mood, and quality of life.
Why Sleep Apnea Deserves Your Attention
So, why do we care so much about sleep apnea? There are so, so, so many reasons. Untreated sleep apnea isn’t just about snoring — it’s connected to a wide range of serious health issues.
Research in 2025 continues to show strong links between sleep apnea and:
- Increased risk of stroke and heart attack
- Irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes and blood sugar instability
- Mood disorders like anxiety and depression
- Erectile dysfunction and fatigue
- Chronic insomnia and even premature mortality
We know… that’s a lot. 😬
But here’s the good news: sleep apnea is treatable, and getting help can make a world of difference — for your health, your sleep, and your life.
How Sleep Apnea Affects Insomnia
One of the first things we do when working with clients who are struggling with insomnia is rule out sleep apnea. That’s because treating insomnia without addressing a possible sleep-breathing disorder can actually be unsafe — and ineffective.
If sleep apnea is present, we’ll help connect you with a sleep medicine doctor or local sleep clinic so you can get the right evaluation and treatment before starting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Once your sleep apnea is managed, CBT-I can be incredibly effective in helping you retrain your brain and body for restful sleep.
How to Find a Sleep Clinic Near You
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to find the right provider:
- Talk to your primary care doctor. They can refer you to a trusted sleep specialist in your area.
- Check your insurance. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask for in-network sleep medicine clinics.
- Ask your therapist. If you’re a client at Bright Spot Counseling in Michigan, we’ll gladly help connect you with local providers who can assess for sleep apnea.
If you’re in Metro Detroit or Southeast Michigan, here are a few reputable clinics to explore:
- Beaumont Sleep Clinic
- Consultants in Sleep and Pulmonary Medicine
- University of Michigan Sleep Disorders Centers
- Sleep and Attention Disorders Institute
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
If you’re unsure whether sleep apnea might be affecting you, take a look at these common signs:
- Loud or frequent snoring (especially if others notice pauses in your breathing)
- Daytime sleepiness or falling asleep unintentionally
- Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat
- Morning headaches
- Gasping or choking sensations during sleep
- Restless sleep or frequent awakenings
- Insomnia that doesn’t improve with standard sleep hygiene
If several of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting screened.
You can also take our free online Sleep Apnea Risk Quiz — just call us at (248) 296-3104 or email va@brightspottherapy.com. One of our skilled CBT-I therapists will review your results and help determine whether your insomnia may be linked to untreated sleep apnea.
The Bottom Line
Sleep apnea can have serious consequences — but with the right help, recovery is absolutely possible. Whether your insomnia stems from anxiety, stress, or an underlying sleep disorder, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Bright Spot Counseling in Michigan, we specialize in CBT-I, anxiety treatment, and nervous system regulation therapy to help you finally get the restorative sleep you deserve.
Here’s to fewer sleepless nights — and happier, healthier mornings. 🌞
Ginger Houghton is the founder of Bright Spot Counseling in Michigan. She helps clients heal from anxiety, trauma, and burnout using evidence-based approaches like EMDR, Brainspotting, and CBT. Known for her authentic, down-to-earth style, Ginger is passionate about helping people find calm, clarity, and connection.
