The Effects of Sleep Deprivation
Everyone needs seven to nine hours of sleep every night in order to fully function. Not getting enough sleep can impact your health in a variety of ways, both physical and mental.
If you suffer from sleep apnea, getting enough rest can be a huge challenge. Affecting roughly 22 million Americans, this disorder blocks your airway while you sleep, causing you to wake up repeatedly throughout the night.
Without treatment, sleep apnea can have devastating consequences for your health. Explore our guide to learn about some of these issues.
How Sleep Apnea Influences Your Brain
Your REM cycle is when your brain converts memories, regulates emotions, and more. Though it takes place without your awareness, this process is crucial to your health.
Waking up throughout the night disrupts your REM cycle, causing an imbalance in your brain chemistry and interfering with your ability to perform even simple tasks. This increases your risk of making costly mistakes, such as getting in a car accident or committing errors at your job.
The Link Between Sleep Apnea & Mental Health
As stated above, sleep apnea triggers an imbalance in your brain chemistry. This can lead to emotional instability, triggering a range of mental health issues that can impact your overall quality of life. In particular, sleep apnea has been found to increase your risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Unfortunately, many cases of sleep apnea go undiagnosed. This means a patient could be experiencing these mental health issues without being aware of the root cause. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms of sleep apnea so you can take a sleep test at the first potential sign of the condition.
Improve Your Mental Health Today
If you’re tired of feeling fatigued and unmotivated every day, sleep apnea treatment can provide the solution you need.
Call our office in Knoxville at 865-512-6948 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Solly today. It’s your first step to a better night’s sleep.
