SUMMARY
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and insomnia often coexist - a comorbidity known as COMISA.
Studies show a high overlap between the two conditions.
Traditionally, the two conditions have been viewed as distinct entities; however, they may be interrelated.
It is important to consider both in patients who present with sleep problems.
Several symptoms are common to both conditions, including non-restorative sleep, frequent awakening and fatigue.
All patients with insomnia should be screened for OSA, and insomnia should be considered in all patioents diagnosed with OSA.
COMISA is more challenging to treat than either disorder presenting alone, and therapy is generally guided by the presenting compliant and/or predominant complaint.
PUBLISHED: Australian Doctor GP Journal 6 April 2020