Anxious and Exhausted: How Sleep Apnea and Anxiety May Go Hand in Hand
Sleep apnea is a serious disorder that can impact your overall well-being. You may feel more drowsy in the morning or have a greater risk of certain issues. However, while your body is impacted, your mental health is as well. In fact, you may be more prone to developing anxiety. To ensure your mind is in great shape and you get back restful nights, here’s what you should know about the connection these conditions have.
Just What Is Sleep Apnea?
As a quick refresher, sleep apnea is when someone wakes up during the night because they stop breathing. This can happen repeatedly in episodes, but it makes it harder to get quality rest. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the more common instance, but this occurs when the throat muscles relax and block the airways.
What Links Do Sleep Apnea and Anxiety Have?
If you don’t get enough sleep, then you may already know how it affects your mood. When this becomes a chronic issue with OSA, you may face more challenges. For instance, aside from being irritable, you may have trouble managing or coping with stress. This can then weigh you down and may make your anxiety disorder worse.
In fact, if you have either of these conditions, then you may develop sleep anxiety. This is when you feel distressed about falling or staying asleep, which is a form of anticipatory anxiety. Those with this often feel a sense of dread.
Both of these issues can worsen the other. That said, there hasn’t been a causative relationship, but managing one may improve the other and help you protect your overall health.
How Can I Treat My Sleep Apnea and Anxiety?
No matter if you have OSA or anxiety, it’s best to treat them both. While this can seem like a feat, there are plenty of professionals you can go to for help.
For instance, your dentist is one who can give you an effective solution for your sleep apnea. You can get a customized oral appliance that will gently reposition your jaw to keep your airways open. A CPAP machine may also be recommended, but your provider can walk you through what’s best for you. When it comes to your anxiety, you can try things like meditation or breathing techniques to lower any stress you feel. Medications and therapy can also be helpful for some.
Getting the treatments you need for both conditions can support your well-being; that way, you have rejuvenating nights and a calmer mind.
About the Practice
At Sleep Better Southwest, our team is dedicated to helping the local communities finally get the restorative rest they deserve. Led by Dr. Jonathan Held, who has over 800 hours of continuing education in sleep medicine, he is able to help you get a diagnosis of OSA and give you the treatment you need. If you want to get toward undisturbed nights, schedule an appointment or call our Prescott Valley office at (928) 778-4555.