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The Connection between Sleep Apnea and Mental Health
wp:paragraph Sleep plays an incredibly important role in both your mental and physical health overall. It is generally recommended by experts that you get 8-10 hours of sleep per night but if you are suffering from an untreated mental health disorder, you may find yourself experiencing numerous bouts of insomnia and get considerably less sleep at night. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph It can be even worse if you suffer from sleep apnea. Many studies have shown that there is a very strong connection between sleep apnea and your mental health. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How sleep apnea affects your mental health /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Those who suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) have been known to experience insomnia which leads to mood swings, fatigue, poor concentration and irritability throughout the day. If you have multiple episodes of OSA that are left untreated, this can deprive your brain of oxygen, which can lead to many serious mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph What is even more alarming is that the symptoms for sleep apnea and many mental illnesses are very much the same. This is why it is extremely important to seek help with any symptoms you may have for mental illnesses. Leaving either sleep apnea or any mental illnesses untreated can lead to some serious effects on your health in the long term. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How to improve your mental health if you have sleep apnea /wp:paragraph wp:list Avoid using technology before bedtime. Try not to nap during the day (if you absolutely must nap, keep it short so you can still stick to your proper bedtime routine. Set a timer if you need to) Avoid caffeine or other stimulants close to bedtime (including alcohol). Maintain the same bedtime routine every night. If you use a CPAP machine at night, don’t skip your treatment, even for one night! /wp:list wp:paragraph If you are experiencing any mental health distress, please do not hesitate to speak to your doctor to get the proper help. /wp:paragraph
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I think I have sleep apnea, now what?
wp:paragraph For many people, a sleep apnea diagnosis, or even the possibility of having sleep apnea without a proper diagnosis can feel overwhelming and scary. It is important to know that this is a condition that is very treatable and can put you on track to getting a good night’s sleep again. Not treating a possible sleep apnea diagnosis can lead to many serious health problems. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph When to see a doctor; /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Some of the symptoms, such as loud snoring, insomnia, and waking up with a dry mouth or headache in the morning can be an occasional occurrence, however if this is something that is happening very consistently and affects how you function in the daytime, then it is time to make an appointment with your doctor. Also, if you are having episodes in which you stop breathing during sleep, this can be very serious and needs to be addressed by a medical professional. Too often, sleep apnea patients have no idea this is happening and it is another person (such as your spouse) that is observing this. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph How to treat sleep apnea; /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph Most mild cases of sleep apnea can be treated with lifestyle changes such as loosing weight or quitting smoking. Everyday allergies can also cause mild forms of sleep apnea, in which an allergy treatment will address it. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph For those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, your doctor may recommend a therapy called Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). This is a mask that is worn overnight and is designed to deliver air pressure that will keep the passages of your airway open throughout the night, and will address any breathing episodes you may have while sleeping. The CPAP machine may seem overwhelming at first, but this has proven to be an extremely effective option for those who suffer from more severe forms of sleep apnea. /wp:paragraph wp:paragraph There are lots of different types of masks, machines and accessories out there, and you will need to find the one that is the best fit for you. Your doctor will have the best advice on this, or will be able to recommend you to a specialist who can answer any questions you have about the CPAP machine and how it works. There are also tons of options available on CPAP Machines - PAPSmart Canada, including masks, machines and other supplies and accessories. /wp:paragraph
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