Sleep Better, Feel Better
Sleep apnea is a common disorder that causes the sufferer to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. When this happens, you’re depriving your body of oxygen, which can lead to hazardous medical conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
Beyond affecting you physically, sleep apnea has also been connected to numerous severe mental health issues. Treating the condition will not only help you sleep better at night, but it will also reduce the impact it has on your mental health.
Getting the Help You Deserve
Many of the symptoms of sleep apnea are similar to those associated with various mental health issues. Without properly diagnosing the condition, you can’t get the treatment you need.
Fortunately, Dr. Hobbs is an experienced sleep specialist who will get you the help you need. If you or a loved one is dealing with any of the symptoms of sleep apnea, contact our office today.
Call (903) 686-9076 to schedule your consultation with our Longview sleep dentist.
Mental Health Issues Linked to Sleep Apnea
When multiple medical conditions affect a patient at the same time, they can make the symptoms worse. Pairing untreated sleep apnea with one of the following mental health issues can lead to more severe symptoms:
- Depression: Patients who suffer from depression often report trouble sleeping as well. The National Sleep Foundation found that “the likelihood of depression increased with the reported frequency of excessive snoring and/or instances when breathing stopped.”
- Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: People with Schizophrenia typically sleep an excessive amount, especially during the daytime. Likewise, the medication used to treat both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is known to make them drowsy. By adding sleep apnea into the mix, we’re creating a volatile mixture of necessary sleep and lost or interrupted sleep.
- Anxiety and PTSD: Patients who suffer from anxiety or PTSD also see an uptick in sleep issues. In fact, over half of the patients with a generalized anxiety disorder experience some type of sleep problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sleep apnea cause anxiety?
Yes, sleep apnea can cause anxiety. Although these are independent disorders, their symptoms are related and can worsen when you experience both simultaneously. Sleep apnea can also create symptoms such as high blood pressure and exhaustion that mirror the effects of feeling anxious. This can make it hard to distinguish between the two disorders.
We recommend scheduling a sleep study if you’re experiencing the shared symptoms of sleep apnea and anxiety. This will allow you to achieve a proper diagnosis and seek necessary treatment. If you have any questions, call our Longview office at (903) 686-9076.
How does sleep help improve mental health?
During sleep, your body goes through several cycles. These cycles allow your brain, muscles, and eyes to rest and recuperate. While asleep, we also process memories, maintain focus, and restore the previous day’s emotions.
When you’re suffering from sleep apnea, frequent nighttime interruptions that you may not remember can cause your body to miss out on these important restorative cycles. This usually leaves you feeling exhausted and stressed. Fortunately, sleep apnea treatments can help you get the restful sleep you need and allow your body to go through these important cycles. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Hobbs, call our Longview office at (903) 686-9076.
We’re Here to Help You Regain Your Restful Nights
The more we learn about the connection between sleep apnea and mental health, the more apparent it is that getting the correct diagnosis and treatment is essential. If you live in or nearby Longview, TX, Dr. Hobbs will help you get your sleep back under control.
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of sleep apnea or any of the mental health issues we discussed above, please feel free to contact us. Just call our Longivew office at (903) 686-9076 where one of our team members is standing by to assist you so that you can regain your quality of life.
