Sleep Apnea & Anxiety: How are the Two Connected?

Sleep apnea and anxiety: it’s difficult to find one with out the other. Both of these issues affect tens of millions of Americans, yet many don’t understand their relationship. With anxiety and sleep disorders on the rise, it’s more important than ever to recognize why these problems go hand-in-hand so you can get the appropriate treatment. Read on to learn about this connection and how sleep apnea therapy can help you rest better and feel more relaxed during the day.

Anxiety – How Does it Happen?

You know what it’s like to feel anxious, but do you understand how it works? Anxiety is simply your body’s response to stress. So, if a stressful situation arises, it’s completely normal to feel anxious. That said, anxiety isn’t only influenced by your day-to-day life, as physical factors like the condition of your sleep can also impact your mental health.

What Does Anxiety Have to Do with Sleep Apnea?

The most common form of sleep apnea occurs when your throat and/or tongue muscles relax to the point that your airway becomes blocked, making it difficult to breathe. This interrupted breathing happens sometimes hundreds of times in a single night, impacting your quality of sleep. Sleep apnea causes symptoms like loud snoring, waking up gasping for breath, morning headaches, and much more.

One of the warning signs of sleep apnea is anxiety or depression. But why? During an episode of sleep apnea, the brain sends a sort of panic signal, which jolts your body awake so you can start breathing again. This sudden awakening prevents you from going through all the necessary sleep stages, putting your body into what’s known as “sleep debt.” Just like it sounds, your body isn’t getting enough sleep, which makes it tougher for your brain to cope with stress, leading to higher levels of anxiety.

Here’s What to Do Next!

While treating one of these issues can help the other, the only way to significantly improve your quality of life is to seek treatment for both disorders. Your dentist can provide sleep apnea therapy in the form of a custom-made oral appliance that positions your jaw and/or tongue in a way that opens your airway for easy breathing. This will automatically improve your sleep AND your anxiety. However, you can also exercise, meditate, and eat a healthy diet to lower your risks of both conditions. Healthy lifestyle choices in combination with effective sleep apnea treatment will allow you to enjoy your day-to-day life once more.

What feels like two problems might actually be one, meaning getting your life under control may be simpler than you think!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew is a native Texan who takes pride in being able to help his Southlake community sleep and feel better. He offers personalized oral appliances for sleep apnea in addition to his high-quality dental services. Dr. Pettigrew is a FAGD dentist, which stands for Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. This is a status that only about 4% of dentists in the US Canada have achieved. For any questions, or to schedule a consultation, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (817) 481-4888.