Sleep apnea is a common sleeping disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occur when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep, leading to oxygen deprivation and other health problems. While most people are aware of the physical effects of sleep apnea, such as the increased risk of heart disease and stroke, many are surprised to learn of its impact on mental health.
At San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center, we think it’s important to discuss the connection between sleep apnea and mental health. Also, why it’s so important to seek treatment for this medical condition.
Sleep Apnea’s Ties to Mental Health Struggles
If you don’t get enough quality sleep because of something like sleep apnea, the effects can have a significant impact on your cognitive and mental health. People with sleeping disorders or clinical sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, which can lead to decreased productivity, and difficulty concentrating. They may also experience mood changes such as depression, anxiety, and irritability.
If you’re already battling issues like depression or anxiety, you’ve probably explored options like counseling or even medication. But have you looked at your sleep quality? If you’re not getting a good night’s rest—and it’s happening over and over every single day—it may make your mental health needs more challenging to address.
Sleep Apnea Effects on Mental Health Issues like Depression
The effects of sleep apnea on mental health can be profound. For example, depression is a common condition among people with sleep apnea. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that people with sleep apnea are five times more likely to develop depression than those without the sleeping disorder. This may be due to the fact that sleep apnea can disrupt the production of certain chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.
Sleep apnea can also amplify or even potentially cause anxiety symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that people with sleep apnea are twice as likely to develop anxiety as those without the condition. This may be due to the fact that sleep apnea can cause hypoxia, which is a lack of oxygen in the body. Hypoxia can trigger the release of stress hormones, which can contribute to or even cause anxiety.
People with sleep apnea may find that they have difficulty regulating their emotions, which can lead to outbursts and relationship problems both in their private and professional lives.
Sleep Apnea Treatment Near You
If you suspect that you or a loved one has sleep apnea, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Not just for their mental health, but also for that of their cardiovascular wellness. At San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center, we offer oral appliance therapy for the management and sleep apnea treatment in San Diego and other sleep disorders. Our team of oral appliance therapy (OAT) providers can provide you with a customized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Most people are already aware that one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. This treatment involves wearing a mask over your nose and mouth while you sleep. The mask is connected to a machine that delivers a constant stream of air to keep your airway open. While CPAP therapy can be highly effective, some people find it uncomfortable or difficult to use.
At San Diego Sleep & TMJ Center, we offer another treatment option called oral appliance therapy. These special devices involve wearing a custom-fitted sleep mouth guard. The device helps to keep your airway open by moving your jaw forward and reducing soft tissue blockage in the back of your throat. This treatment is often more comfortable than CPAP therapy and can be equally effective.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, snoring, or mood changes, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. At San Diego Sleep and TMJ Center, we offer a range of treatment options for sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how we can help you get a good night’s sleep and improve your mental health.