Sleep Apnea and Your Mental Health
Sleep Deprivation Takes a Toll
f you’ve ever tossed and turned at night, it’s likely you’ve experienced fatigue and irritability the next day. Losing hours of sleep makes it difficult to function and perform even the simplest tasks.
And if you suffer from sleep apnea, this is an ongoing battle that can take a toll on your overall well-being. Sleep apnea is a common disorder that affects almost 22 million Americans, causing patients to frequently wake up each night due to a blockage in the airway that makes them completely stop breathing.
When a sleep apnea episode occurs, the interruption in your breathing signals your brain to wake your body up, gasping for air. Though most patients don’t remember waking up, this sleep disorder can result in serious consequences to your health.
How Lack of Sleep Affects Your Brain
Waking up several times throughout the night interrupts your REM sleep cycle, which is when your brain sends important messages to your body for processing. If you’re suffering from sleep apnea, your REM sleep cycle experiences several disruptions during the night.
This causes a chemical imbalance in your brain, triggering a variety of emotions and this may contribute to mental health problems. Without a good night’s rest, your body is unable to function properly, making everyday duties more challenging.
Sleep Apnea and Your Mental Health
When your brain experiences a chemical imbalance, it’s likely you’ll become more irritable and have trouble processing your emotions. Unfortunately, those who suffer from sleep apnea face a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety.
If you have a mental health disorder and suffer from sleep apnea, getting treatment for your sleep disorder can deliver beneficial results, improving your overall well-being.
Feel Reenergized Again With Dr. Rice
It’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences to your mental and physical health.
As a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, Dr. Rice is one of only a few hundred dentists in the United States certified in Fotona Twin laser treatments for snoring and sleep apnea.
To learn more, call our Brentwood practice at (615) 373-4488 or fill out the contact form below. Our friendly staff can also schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Rice so she can explain our treatment options in detail. Don’t wait another day -- start getting a better night’s rest with the help of Dr. Rice.
