National Sleep Awareness Month: 5 Signs You Might Have Sleep Apnea

A good night’s sleep is the foundation of your health. Unfortunately, many people struggle to get the sleep they need (as much as 15 percent of adults, by some estimates). Sleep apnea is a particularly common problem in adults, yet it often goes untreated or undiagnosed.

March is Sleep Awareness Month, and Sleep Awareness Week is coming up. If you’re struggling with your sleep, take these opportunities to learn more about potential causes and some common sleep apnea warning signs.

What Is National Sleep Awareness Week 2026, and When Is It?

Sleep Awareness Week 2026 runs from March 8 through 14, and it’s one of our favorite times of year. The National Sleep Foundation launched this campaign in 1998 to remind people of how much sleep affects their overall health. The week kicks off right at the start of Daylight Saving Time, when most of us lose an hour of sleep. Therefore, it’s the perfect moment to stop and ask: Am I actually sleeping well?

If you’ve been waking up exhausted, snoring loudly, or feeling foggy during the day, this week gives you a great reason to find out what’s really going on. In particular, check yourself for these five common signs of sleep apnea:

• Loud, chronic snoring – While not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, loud and persistent snoring is one of the most common warning signs. Snoring punctuated by gasping or choking sounds is an especially worrisome symptom of sleep apnea.
• Waking up with a dry mouth or headache – If you regularly start your morning with a parched throat or a dull headache, your body may be struggling to breathe properly overnight.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness – Feeling drowsy during meetings, while driving, or throughout your afternoon often indicates fragmented, poor-quality sleep.
• Gasping or stopping breathing during sleep – If a bed partner notices you stop breathing or suddenly gasping for air, that’s one of the clearest red flags for sleep apnea.
• Difficulty concentrating or mood changes – Sleep apnea disrupts your sleep cycles, which can leave you feeling irritable, anxious, or mentally foggy throughout the day.

Why Sleep Awareness Week Matters for Health and Safety

Sleep Awareness Week matters because people frequently underestimate how dangerous poor sleep can be. We tend to brush off fatigue as a regular part of life, but untreated sleep apnea carries serious risks. These risks include heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Poor sleep also affects your focus, reaction time, and mood. That makes everyday tasks like driving genuinely dangerous.

The National Sleep Foundation uses this week to push the conversation around proper sleep quality into the spotlight. Sleep professionals see firsthand how life-changing proper treatment can be for their patients, and Sleep Awareness Week gives us a reason to stop normalizing exhaustion.

Simple Sleep Habits to Try During Sleep Awareness Week

You can see significant improvements in your sleep by developing some simple, healthy habits. Here are a few habits to try during Sleep Awareness Week 2026:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Your body clock responds well to routine.
• Cut off screens an hour before bed – Blue light from phones and tablets can trick your brain into staying alert when you’re trying to fall asleep. Try reading a book instead.
• Keep your bedroom cool and dark – Your body sleeps best in a cool, quiet environment. Small changes like blackout curtains can make a big difference.
• Limit caffeine after 2 p.m. – Caffeine stays in your system longer than you might realize. Cutting it off early helps your body wind down naturally.
• Get outside during the day – Natural light helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Even a short walk outside can improve your sleep quality.

How to Get Involved With Sleep Awareness Week 2026

Getting involved with Sleep Awareness Week 2026 is easy. Start by visiting the National Sleep Foundation’s website. There, you can take their sleep health quiz and access free educational resources. Share what you learn on social media to spread awareness in your community.

You can also use the week as a nudge to schedule that sleep consultation you’ve been putting off. Whether you track your sleep, start a new bedtime routine, or book an appointment, Sleep Awareness Week gives you the perfect opportunity to prioritize your health.

Struggling with Sleep Apnea? Silent Night Therapy Can Help

At Silent Night Therapy, we specialize in treating sleep apnea with custom oral appliances instead of bulky CPAP machines. If you struggle to get the sleep you need, we’re here to help. Call now or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.