Sleep Apnea Leads to Sleep Deprivation
If you’ve ever gone through a night tossing and turning as you try to sleep, you likely know how difficult it can be to function the next day. Sleep apnea, a common but serious sleep disorder, can cause you to wake up multiple times every night. That means every day is a battle against sleep deprivation, and living in that state can have devastating effects on your physical and mental health. Learn about the link between sleep deprivation and mental health, and don’t forget to visit Dr. Roberta Garceau for effective sleep apnea treatment. Our accessible Windsor, CT location gladly serves patients in Granby, Hartford, Simsbury, and the surrounding towns of Connecticut.
How a Lack of Sleep Affects Your Brain
The physical effects of a lack of sleep are noticeable as you try to go about your day. You may feel fatigued, have trouble concentrating, and are more likely to make mistakes. If you’ve been suffering from sleep apnea for a while, you may become used to feeling tired without knowing why.
One symptom of sleep apnea is waking up throughout the night and having your REM (rapid eye movement) sleep disturbed. REM is the stage of sleep when your brain is highly active and is linked to processing memories, as well as other important functions. Since people with sleep apnea wake up multiple times at night, they might not even remember it the next day. Without three to five REM cycles per night (roughly 90 minutes), you may experience heightened mental health issues.
Link Between Sleep Deprivation & Mental Health
Having your REM sleep disturbed constantly can negatively impact your mental health. A variety of factors contribute to mental health disorders, but research shows that emotion-regulating chemicals in the brain are affected by a lack of REM sleep.
Sleep apnea puts you at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. These conditions will only make days harder, and can further influence your sleep habits. The good news is, treatment for sleep apnea can have a positive effect on your mental wellness.
Poor sleep can also significantly worsen the symptoms of many existing mental health issues. Difficulty falling and staying asleep can even be secondary to a medical illness such as sleep apnea or a mental health condition like depression. In addition to affecting sleep itself, many medical and mental health conditions can be worsened by sleep-related problems.
Dr. Garceau can conduct a sleep test to determine the root cause of your sleep apnea and provide a treatment that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea cause anxiety?
Repeatedly losing sleep creates a sleep deficit, which can result in anxiety. While there’s a definite connection between sleep apnea and anxiety, it’s unclear whether the loss of sleep is causing anxiety or if anxiety itself is causing the disorder.
Patients who suffer from anxiety might be at a higher risk of developing a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea. This means that if you treat one of the two conditions, you may be able to alleviate the other as well.
Sleep apnea treatment can help address sleep deficits and potentially relieve feelings of anxiety. Contact our Windsor dental practice at 860-254-6189 and one of our team members will happily assist you.
How can I get more REM sleep?
If you suspect a lack of REM sleep is escalating or causing mental health struggles, there are some ways you can promote restful sleep, such as:
- Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
- Staying hydrated throughout the day
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Avoiding sleep medications
- Seeking help from a sleep dentist
Reclaim Quality Rest and Good Mental Health With Dr. Garceau
Our sleep dentist in Windsor, CT offers sleep apnea treatment options and will help you choose the one that best suits your lifestyle. Whether a CPAP machine, an oral appliance, or surgery, Dr. Garceau and our team have helped patients in Granby, Hartford, and Simsbury get back to restful sleep.
To learn more about sleep apnea treatment, contact our office by calling 860-254-6189 to schedule a consultation. You can also fill out the convenient contact form below and we’ll get right back to you. We look forward to giving you the quality sleep you deserve.