Do You Wake Up Tired? Signs You May Have Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

Do You Wake Up Tired? Signs You May Have Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

Waking up feeling exhausted isn’t just a sign of a bad night’s sleep—it could be an indicator of a serious underlying condition. Many people blame stress, poor sleep habits, or even aging for their constant fatigue, but undiagnosed sleep apnea may actually be the cause. This common yet often overlooked condition disrupts breathing during sleep, leading to poor rest, low energy, and long-term health risks.

At The Respire Institute, we specialize in diagnosing and managing sleep apnea to help patients breathe easier and wake up feeling truly refreshed. If you’re always tired despite getting a full night’s sleep, this blog will help you recognize the signs, understand the risks, and explore solutions.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts throughout the night. These interruptions—sometimes lasting 10 seconds or longer—can happen hundreds of times per night, preventing the brain and body from getting the oxygen they need.

There are three primary types of sleep apnea:

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – The most common form, where the throat muscles relax too much and block airflow.
• Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – A less common condition in which the brain fails to send the correct signals to control breathing.
• Complex Sleep Apnea Syndrome – A combination of OSA and CSA.

Many patients with undiagnosed sleep apnea assume their sleep problems are normal, unaware of the serious health risks it can pose.

Common Signs of Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea

Daytime Symptoms

People with sleep apnea often struggle with daytime fatigue, even if they believe they’re sleeping through the night. Some common signs include:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness (feeling drained even after 7-9 hours of sleep)
• Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
• Frequent morning headaches
• Irritability, mood swings, or symptoms of depression

Many people don’t realize that chronic fatigue and cognitive fog can stem from fragmented sleep caused by apnea episodes.

Nighttime Symptoms

While some sleep apnea symptoms are easy to spot, others happen while you’re asleep. If you have a bed partner, they may notice:

• Loud snoring (especially with choking or gasping sounds)
• Pauses in breathing while sleeping
• Frequent awakenings or restlessness

Ignoring sleep apnea isn’t just about feeling tired—it can have serious long-term health consequences. Left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of:

• High blood pressure – Frequent oxygen drops put extra stress on the heart.
• Heart disease and stroke – Sleep apnea raises cardiovascular risks significantly.
• Diabetes – Poor sleep affects insulin resistance, increasing diabetes risk.
• Weight gain and obesity – Sleep deprivation disrupts hunger hormones, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.

Research shows that individuals with severe untreated sleep apnea have a 2-3 times higher risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those without it.

This is why early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a sleep evaluation is the next step. At The Respire Institute, we offer:

• At-home sleep studies – Convenient and comfortable monitoring in your own bed.
• In-lab sleep studies – More detailed assessments for complex sleep conditions.
• CPAP and Inspire Device management – Personalized treatment plans based on your needs.

A sleep study measures breathing patterns, oxygen levels, and disruptions to confirm whether you have sleep apnea and what type of treatment is best for you.

What Are the Treatment Options?

The good news is that sleep apnea is highly treatable. Once diagnosed, several options can help improve breathing and sleep quality.

CPAP Therapy

The most common treatment, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, uses a machine to keep airways open with a steady stream of air. Many patients see an immediate improvement in sleep quality and daytime energy.

However, CPAP therapy isn’t ideal for everyone. Some patients find masks uncomfortable or difficult to use consistently.

The Inspire Device – A CPAP Alternative

For those struggling with CPAP, the Inspire Device offers a surgical, mask-free alternative. This implantable device stimulates airway muscles to prevent collapse, allowing for natural breathing throughout the night.

At The Respire Institute, we don’t perform Inspire implantation, but we help patients determine if they qualify, coordinate referrals, and manage all post-implantation care to ensure treatment success.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Better Sleep

Along with medical treatments, small changes can reduce apnea severity and improve breathing:

• Weight management – Extra weight can contribute to airway obstruction.
• Side sleeping – Sleeping on your back can worsen apnea symptoms.
• Avoiding alcohol before bed – Alcohol relaxes airway muscles, increasing blockage risk.

Take the First Step Toward Restful Sleep

If you’re constantly waking up tired, don’t ignore the signs. Sleep apnea can impact your long-term health, but effective treatments are available. At The Respire Institute, we offer expert sleep evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to help you reclaim your energy and well-being.

Schedule a sleep evaluation today and take the first step toward better sleep and better health.