Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

#211 - Insomnia and Sleep Apnea: Just Don’t Know

Chris Winter, MD

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0:00 | 37:13

We tend to think of insomnia and sleep apnea as two completely different sleep disorders. One means you can't sleep. The other means you stop breathing. Simple, right? Not so fast. In reality, many people with sleep apnea don't complain about snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness. Instead, they complain that they wake up repeatedly throughout the night and can't stay asleep. In this episode we will:

  • Explain why sleep apnea often causes insomnia-like symptoms rather than daytime sleepiness 
  •  Explore the growing recognition of COMISA (comorbid insomnia and sleep apnea) 
  •  Discuss why women and non-traditional sleep apnea patients are especially likely to be misdiagnosed 
  •  Review the latest research on treating insomnia and sleep apnea together

Original intro music Vigilanteology by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)

Original outro music Vigilanteology (reprise) by Abhinav Singh (copyright 2026)

Produced by: Maeve Winter

Music by: Dr. Abhinav Singh (@sleep_vigilante), all rights reserved


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Thanks for listening and sleep well!