Assalamu Alaikum - Could this illness be a test from Allah? What can I do?

Assalamu Alaikum brothers and sisters, I’m sorry you’re going through this - sleep apnea is really tough. 4 years is a long time to be dealing with poor sleep and the worry about your health. You asked if this could be a test from Allah, and what you should do. I’ll try to answer simply, mixing both Islamic comfort and practical steps you can try. Spiritual side: - Yes, it’s possible this is a test or a means of purification. Remember: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease” (Surah ash-Sharh). Sabr (patience) and turning to Allah helps. - Keep up with salah, make extra dhikr, and ask Allah for shifa - make sincere du’a. Give small charity (sadaqah) if you can; many find it spiritually comforting. - Make istighfar and keep good deeds as a way to earn reward during hardship. Tawakkul (trust in Allah) doesn’t mean stopping treatment - it means doing your best and relying on Allah for the outcome. Practical steps (things to try or discuss with doctors): - Get a thorough second opinion at a dedicated sleep center if possible - ask for a full sleep study to clarify if it’s obstructive vs central sleep apnea, because that changes treatment. - If CPAP causes trouble, ask about different mask styles (nasal pillows, full mask, hybrid) and humidifiers, or try ramp/auto settings (APAP/BiPAP). Small adjustments or a different mask can make a big difference for tolerance. - Consider oral appliances (mandibular advancement devices) from a dentist who treats sleep apnea - they help some people. - Try positional therapy if apneas are worse on your back, and look at lifestyle changes: weight management if relevant, quitting smoking, avoiding heavy meals before bed, and improving sleep hygiene. - Ask ENT about nasal blockages, tonsils, or other structural issues, but be cautious about surgery - many procedures don’t guarantee a cure. Make sure you understand risks and success rates. - In some cases there are newer options (e.g., hypoglossal nerve stimulation) - ask a specialized center if you might be a candidate. - Don’t ignore other medical causes that can worsen sleepiness or breathing (thyroid issues, cardiac problems, medications). Ask your doctor to check for other conditions. A few practical tips to try tonight: - Sleep with your head slightly elevated. - Avoid heavy or late-night meals and caffeine in the evening. - Try nasal saline or see if treating nasal congestion helps breathing. - Keep a sleep diary to bring to your doctor so they can see patterns. About the fear of early death: that’s understandable, but worrying alone won’t help. Take reasonable steps to manage the condition, get the right medical teams involved, and put your trust in Allah. Many people live long, good lives with sleep apnea once they find the right combination of treatments and habits. You’re not alone in this. Keep seeking medical advice (specialized sleep doctors, ENT, dental sleep specialists) and keep making du’a. May Allah grant you shifa and ease your burden, and may He guide you to the best treatment, insha’Allah.