Everyone appreciates a good night’s rest, but sleep apnea can make it incredibly difficult to sleep properly. Since this condition can cause a person to wake up more than a hundred times in a single night in extreme cases, it can lead to a host of unpleasant short-term and long-term consequences for your overall health. Here’s a quick look at what sleep apnea is, why it may make you more likely to experience depression, and how your sleep dentist can help.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a medical condition characterized by the patient’s airway becoming constricted during sleep due to the weight of the relaxing muscles and other tissues in the neck. When this happens, the patient will awaken as soon as their brain realizes it isn’t getting enough oxygen, and this can happen many times in a single night. Waking up frequently in this manner night after night is quite stressful for your nervous, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems, and it can lead to a host of problems for your everyday life.
Can Sleep Apnea Make Me Depressed?
Inadequate sleep is linked to a wide range of physical and psychological health problems, and the strain it puts on your body can make it hard to feel good and function well. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to issues like:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Grogginess
- Fatigue
- Overeating
- Dependence on stimulants like caffeine or nicotine
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes as well as cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes
- Falling asleep while operating heavy machinery such as an automobile
How Can My Dentist Treat My Sleep Apnea?
While many people associate sleep apnea treatment with CPAP machines, some patients find these devices cumbersome and uncomfortable. Thankfully, many sleep dentists can treat sleep apnea with noninvasive oral appliances designed to hold the jaw in a forward position that makes it harder for the airway to become restricted when the patient is resting.
Don’t let sleep apnea set you up for wearisome days and restless nights. Consulting with your sleep dentist can help you understand how to get the best rest possible.
About the Practice
Dr. Bridget Ryan offers the finest sleep dental services in North Olmstead. She earned her dental degree at Case Western Reserve University and is a member of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. Areas of expertise include treatments for sleep apnea and snoring. If you suspect you might have sleep apnea, contact her office on the web or dial (440) 454-8200.