If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), it can be difficult to achieve a good night’s rest. Not only can you deal with health issues and ongoing fatigue, but lack of sleep can also affect your mood negatively. Researchers have found that untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. Here’s how treating sleep apnea can boost your mood and improve your sleep quality.
What is Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that causes frequent pauses in breathing. As your body relaxes when you drift off to sleep, the muscles in the back of your mouth or tongue may collapse, creating an obstruction in your upper airway. This can result in potentially hundreds of breathing disruptions throughout the night.
Each event deprives your body of oxygen. Over time, this can increase your risk of several serious health issues, including heart attacks, diabetes, and memory loss. Every time you stop breathing, your brain jolts you awake, interrupting the sleep cycle. This can lead to sleep deprivation with no treatment.
Sleep Apnea and Depression
Based on the results of a recent study, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the likelihood of depression increases with the frequency of breathing disruptions. Healthcare professionals agree that adults should receive 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. With every breathing disruption interrupting the sleep cycle, sleep deprivation often coincides with OSA.
Without sufficient sleep, your body can experience a dysregulation of key neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, which are essential for mood regulation. Sleep deprivation can also increase inflammation and hormonal imbalances that can also raise your risk of depression.
Options to Treat Sleep Apnea
If your physician confirms a diagnosis of sleep apnea, you have multiple solutions to manage the condition. A CPAP machine is the most traditional treatment for sleep apnea. Gentle pressurized air is delivered through masking worn over the mouth or nose, preventing breathing disruptions.
An oral appliance can be a great solution for patients with mild-to-moderate sleep apnea. The custom-fit appliance positions the jaw and tongue to prevent obstructions in the upper airway. It can be used alone or along with a CPAP. An oral appliance can also help patients with chronic snoring, too.
Complying with your treatment plan can help you breathe better to get the sleep you need. A good night’s rest will support your physical and mental health.
About Dr. Rob Schumacher
Dr. Schumacher studied at both the University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan. He has continued his education to become a board-certified prosthodontist. He also specializes in sleep apnea therapy using oral appliances. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (781) 463-5029.