Not Sleeping Well? There May Be a Medical Cause

Sleep apnea

Chronic tiredness and obstructive sleep apnea go hand in hand. Even if you think you’re sleeping well, sleep apnea can prevent you from getting a truly restful snooze, including morning headaches and dry mouth, difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness, depression, mood swings, and irritability. Research indicates that as many as 67 percent of insomnia sufferers also have at least a mild form of sleep apnea. Sufferers experience episodes of shallow or interrupted breathing while they rest. These episodes can move you from deeper to lighter sleep and cause brief awakenings, leading to daytime exhaustion and fatigue. Many people don’t know they’re experiencing apnea episodes—it’s often bed partners who alert sleepers to their symptoms.