#It’sMoreThanSnoring Sleep Apnea and its Shocking Link to Anxiety and Depression
In our last article of the #It’sMoreThanSnoring campaign, we dove into the eye-opening connection of sleep apnea and heart disease. If you missed our last post, please visit this link.
By now, we understand what sleep apnea is, and the devastating effects it has on our bodies, such as insomnia, fatigue and headaches.
But does sleep apnea have a connection to your mental health? Absolutely.
Recent research has concluded that having sleep apnea increases risk of anxiety and depression. Most people can sense a correlation between sleep and mood: You obviously feel better when you have had a good night’s sleep, as opposed to not getting enough.
There is also a correlation between lack of sleep and depression, and some people experience symptoms of both conditions simultaneously, while others will experience sleep deprivation before depression. However, both conditions can increase the risk of developing either condition.
According to a study by the National Center of Biotechnology Information, 54 percent of those with OSA had some degree of anxiety, while 46 percent had symptoms of depression.
Sometimes it’s hard for individuals to understand the symptoms of both conditions. Most of the time people are confused because if they are experiencing one, they might not know that they are experiencing the other, too. It’s vital to research both conditions if you believe you might have one or the other, or both.
Treating sleep apnea can help reduce or eliminate depression. There are some helpful coping methods you may try to combat both conditions.
Exercising throughout the week will obviously help with weight loss and can also ease OSA caused by obesity. Sleeping on your side or stomach instead of your back will prevent you from blocking your airway with your tongue. Using alcohol and taking sleeping pills both can worsen the effects of sleep apnea and depression.
Quality sleep is not a luxury, it is a necessity for your health. Give your body the care it deserves.
Here at Somerville Dental Sleep Medicine, we provide our patients with all they need to achieve quality sleep. Please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment if you or someone you know is struggling with this condition.
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression and could potentially be suffering from sleep apnea, please spread the word. So many people have no idea of the toll it takes on the body, so that’s why the goal of this campaign is to raise awareness about this life-threatening condition.