Your overall wellness relies on getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night, which is no easy feat if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Sleep apnea not only causes frequent breathing disruptions, but each event also interrupts your sleep cycle. Sleep deprivation is a common complication of OSA, which can increase your risk of unwanted thoughts. According to a study from the University of York, 50% of patients with sleep deprivation experience intrusive thoughts. Here’s how sleep apnea therapy can ensure you get a good night’s rest to feel your best and stop unwanted thoughts.
Sleep Apnea and Sleep Deprivation
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes you to stop breathing potentially hundreds of times per night. Each event can last for a minute or longer, depriving your body of oxygen. An obstruction in your upper airway caused by the soft tissues in the back of your mouth and throat collapsing or your tongue falling back can lead to breathing disruptions. Every time your body is deprived of oxygen, your brain jolts you awake to resume normal breathing. Although you may not be aware of these brief awakenings, each event interrupts your sleep cycle. With no treatment, sleep deprivation can occur.
Sleep Quality and Mental Health
The onset of intrusive thoughts and emotional disturbances is connected to poor sleep. This can create a cycle of emotional distress from exacerbated sleep problems. Researchers have found that improving sleep quality makes it easier for people to suppress unwelcome thoughts. Improving sleep quality and learning thought-suppression techniques can improve mental health and wellness overall.
Unwanted thoughts can also coincide with bouts of anxiety and depression. Emotional stress can increase the occurrence of insomnia, which is also linked to OSA. Sleep issues are also known to cause irritability, mood changes, loss of concentration, and difficulty making decisions. Treating sleep apnea can be the key to resolving a decline in your mental health.
Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Pleasant thoughts and a good night’s rest are possible with sleep apnea therapy. A CPAP machine is the traditional method of treating sleep apnea. A gentle stream of pressurized air is delivered through masking worn over the mouth or nose.
Although a CPAP is effective, it can be bothersome for some patients, resulting in a low compliance rate. As an alternative to a CPAP, patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea may benefit from an oral appliance. The custom-fit device moves the tongue and jaw into more comfortable positions to prevent them from blocking the airway.
Your sleep specialist can work along with your healthcare professional to create a personalized treatment plan to breathe better. You can sleep peacefully and look forward to a brighter day ahead.
About Dr. Glenn Thompson
Dr. Thompson earned his dental degree from Tufts University and has continued his education in various specialties, including the diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea. He offers high-quality oral appliances to treat snoring and sleep apnea. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (720) 903-1649.