First line Dental

Will Sleep Apnea Treatment Reduce My Anxiety?

SEPTEMBER 2, 2019

Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but some individuals face a constant battle against anxiety. If that is true of you, you may already be using various methods to help you stay calm, such as talk therapy, meditation, or even medication. But did you know that sleep can also be an effective weapon in your battle against anxiety? In this post, we discuss the relationship between sleep deprivation and anxiety, and we talk about how sleep apnea treatment may be able to help you attain improved emotional health.

Sleep Deprivation And Anxiety

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley recently conducted a study to learn more about the connection between sleep deprivation and anxiety. 18 healthy people participated in the study. After a night of either sleep or staying awake, they took an anxiety test. The sleep-deprived individuals had a 30 percent higher rate of anxiety than those who had slept the previous night. Those without sleep had anxiety levels similar to those of people with anxiety disorders. MRI scans found that sleep deprivation decreased activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which helps to keep emotions under control.

It is also noteworthy that the sleep deprivation-anxiety relationship goes both ways. Sleep deprivation can increase anxiety, and anxiety can make it difficult to sleep.

Sleep Apnea And Anxiety

Sleep apnea robs disrupts breathing patterns at night and robs its victims of high-quality rest. It is only logical to assume, then, that it can also play a role in anxiety. A 2014 study examined 178 people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and found that more than half of them struggled with some degree of anxiety. It also discovered that rates of anxiety were higher amongst OSA sufferers than in the general population.

Improved Emotional Health Through Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you have to fight anxiety day after day, you may benefit from a sleep study in a dedicated sleep laboratory. After an expert analyzes your sleep patterns, you will know whether you have a disorder that is depriving you of the rest you need to feel your best. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, a CPAP machine or oral appliance therapy may be the key to both better sleep and improved emotional health. Of course, sleep apnea treatment should not be viewed as a magical “cure” for anxiety, but there is a fair chance that improving the quality of your sleep will help you be happier and less anxious on a day-to-day basis.

Sleeping better may help you feel better! Speak to a qualified medical professional to start figuring out how you can improve the quality of your rest and perhaps bolster your emotional health at the same time.

About Our Practice

At First Line Dental in Manchester, we fully understand the devastating effects that OSA can have on an individual’s daily life. That is why we are proud to offer oral appliance therapy, a simple and effective method for addressing sleep apnea. To learn more about this treatment, contact our team today at 860-327-5990.

Book a consultation today or make an appointment using our convenient online appointment scheduler.

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