Lack of sleep can cause problems with your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Apart from chronic fatigue that plagues you each day, it can also cause personal relationship problems and a lack of productivity at work. One aspect many seem to forget, though, is how sleep deprivation caused by sleep apnea can lead to intrusive thoughts. Read on to learn more about the link and what can be done to improve your situation.
What the Researchers Say
According to a study performed by researchers at the University of York, they looked at whether those who experienced sleep deprivation were able to suppress intrusive thoughts versus those who received ample rest.
They discovered that individuals who dealt with poor sleep struggled with unwanted thoughts nearly 50% more.
Although most people experience intrusive thoughts now and then, those with mental illness (i.e., PTSD, depression, schizophrenia, etc.) find it hard to let them go; instead, they hold onto them uncontrollably, which causes stress.
How Sleep Deprivation Affects Mental Health
When you’re unable to get the necessary rest your body and brain need to function normally, it can worsen any existing symptoms associated with your mental illness. Suppressing unwanted thoughts can feel impossible.
For example, excessive stress can lead to insomnia, which is a common symptom of sleep apnea.
The only way to address this problem is to seek professional help – someone who understands how to treat sleep apnea so that your mental, emotional, and physical health will improve over time.
What Kind of Treatment is Available?
Treating sleep apnea first requires that you undergo a sleep study. This requires either wearing a device at home that monitors your pulse, oxygen level, breathing rate, etc., or spending the night in a lab. The information collected is then analyzed by a licensed physician to determine if you have sleep apnea.
If so, a skilled dental professional can provide a customized oral appliance to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your ability to get a good night’s rest. The device is worn over your top row of teeth while you sleep, shifting your jaw forward slightly so that your airway remains open, preventing obstruction.
In addition to sleep apnea treatment, you might also find it helpful to meet with a licensed counselor or therapist if you have a mental illness. You can also adopt healthy lifestyle changes, like exercise or meditation, to help suppress any negative thoughts and relieve unnecessary stress.
About the Practice
Exceptional Dentistry Pain & Sleep Solutions is led by Dr. Sara Saba, an expert in sleep issues and TMD pain. Offering treatment designed to improve a patient’s sleep, she and her team ensure positive results by creating a customized oral appliance that keeps the airway open by shifting the jaw forward slightly. This alleviates symptoms to create a more restful sleep. If you are concerned that you may have sleep apnea because you are always fatigued, visit our website or call (301) 460-3331 to schedule a consultation today.