The Relationship Between Sleep Apnea & Mental Health
Most patients are unaware that a lack of sleep can have drastic effects on your mental health. Fortunately, our Windsor, CT sleep dentist, Dr. Roberta Garceau can improve your quality of sleep with convenient and effective sleep apnea treatments. We’re happy to improve the sleep quality of patients in Granby, Hartford, Simsbury, and the surrounding Connecticut area.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where patients experience pauses in breathing throughout the night. These disruptions can last from a few seconds to more than a minute, and can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night.There are two main types of sleep apnea: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). OSA is caused by a physical blockage of the airway, while CSA is caused by the brain not sending proper signals to the muscles that control breathing. Both types of sleep apnea are proven to have a negative impact on mental health.
Cognitive Effects of Sleep Deprivation
A lack of sleep can completely alter the way you function throughout the day. Your brain needs a good night’s rest to function properly from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to a number of cognitive problems, including:
- Memory Loss — Without enough sleep, it can be harder to learn new things and remember important details. Regardless of age, memory loss can affect anyone who isn’t getting a sufficient amount of sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating — Sleep deprivation can make it hard to focus and pay attention, which makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks that require concentration and decision-making skills.
- Increased Risk of Mistakes — A lack of sleep can affect your coordination and reaction time, making you more likely to make mistakes.
- Mood Swings — A lack of sleep can also affect your mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, and even depression that can take a toll on your mental health.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea symptoms may be hard to identify without professional assistance and receiving a definitive diagnosis from a sleep study. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic daytime fatigue
- Loud or disruptive snoring
- Gasping for air during sleep
- Headache upon awakening
- Dry mouth upon awakening
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office to discuss your treatment options with Dr. Garceau. She will help you get the diagnosis and treatment that you need.
Sleep Apnea Treatments
Our Windsor dentist offers a variety of sleep apnea treatments to help you improve your mental health:
- Oral appliance therapy
- CPAP machines
- Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea cause anxiety and depression?
There’s evidence to suggest that sleep apnea may be connected with an increased risk of developing anxiety and depression. The symptoms of sleep apnea, such as difficulty sleeping and feeling tired during the day, can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. You may also experience worsened symptoms of existing conditions unless you receive treatment.
What causes sleep apnea?
Several factors can cause sleep apnea, including obesity, age, family history, and smoking. Sleep apnea can also be caused by structural abnormalities in the airway, such as a small jaw or large tonsils. Speak with a sleep dentist to learn the root cause of your sleep apnea and how to best treat it.
How is sleep apnea diagnosed?
Sleep apnea is diagnosed by a sleep specialist or dentist. They’ll review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and may order a sleep study. A sleep study is a test that measures brain activity, eye movement, and other bodily functions during sleep. Your sleep specialist will then go over the results of your sleep test to determine the best solution for your sleep apnea symptoms.
Improve Your Sleep Quality With Dr. Garceau
Don’t let sleep apnea affect your mental health any longer! If sleep deprivation is impacting your mental health, contact our Windsor, CT practice by calling 860-254-6189 or filling out an online form. Our experienced sleep dentist can conduct an evaluation to get you the care you need. Start your journey to reclaim the restful sleep you need for a healthier mind and body.