I’m Treating My Sleep Apnea, So Why Am I Still Tired?

Sleep apnea doesn’t just disturb your breathing.
It disrupts your sleep cycles, throws off your hormones, and trains your brain to expect frequent wake-ups. Years of interrupted sleep create patterns your body has to unlearn.

When you begin your body doesn’t instantly bounce back. It’s relearning how to rest deeply and stay asleep.

Some people feel better in a few days. Others need weeks or even a few months.
Research shows it can take up to 12 weeks of consistent treatment for your energy, focus, and mood to fully rebound.

This doesn’t mean your therapy is failing. It means your brain and body are still healing.

Even if you’re using your CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine or MAD (Mandibular Advancement Device) every night, it may not be doing the job as well as it should. Ask yourself:

• Are you using it all night long?
• Is it comfortable, or do you take it off during sleep?
• Do you still wake up throughout the night?
• Do you wake up feeling refreshed?

If any of that rings true, your treatment may need a tune-up.
Your device might not be fitted correctly, your settings could be off, or your body might need a different approach.

What to do: a follow-up sleep study or device data review to confirm that your airway is staying open during the night.

Once your breathing is supported, it’s time to address everything else that impacts sleep. These simple changes can make a big difference:

• Sleep on your side
  Lying on your back allows gravity to pull the tongue and soft tissues backward, narrowing your airway. Side sleeping often improves breathing, especially for those with positional sleep apnea (a common but overlooked form of OSA).
• Avoid alcohol and sedatives before bed
  These substances overly relax the muscles in your throat, making therapy less effective. Skip the evening glass of wine for a few weeks and monitor how you feel.
• Lose a little weight, if needed
  Just a 10% drop in body weight can significantly reduce apnea severity. Weight around the neck and chest increases airway collapse risk during sleep.
• Stick to a consistent sleep routine
  Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends.
  Keep screens off before bed, dim the lights, and create a cool, quiet, dark bedroom environment. This strengthens your circadian rhythm and supports therapy.

Sometimes, even with well-managed sleep apnea, other conditions can interfere with rest, such as:

• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Insomnia

These don’t always show up on basic sleep studies. If you’re still struggling, ask your doctor whether a more detailed evaluation (such as an in-lab study with EEG monitoring) could help uncover hidden issues.

If you're using a MAD, make sure it’s a custom-fitted device designed to gently move your jaw forward and keep your airway open. Devices like the Daybreak MAD are built for both comfort and effectiveness, designed to position your jaw just enough to maintain an open airway without disrupting your sleep.

Keep in mind that MADs often need small adjustments over time to optimize airway patency. Even a millimeter or two of change can significantly improve airflow, and how rested you feel.

You’ve taken the most important step by starting treatment. That’s huge.
Now, stay consistent. Be patient. And keep asking the right questions.

Healing from OSA isn’t just about stopping snoring or avoiding oxygen drops, it’s about giving your brain, body, and nervous system time to truly recover.

You’re on the right path.
Better mornings are coming.