Known as the sleep disorder that robs you of your quality of sleep, daytime energy, and overall well-being, sleep apnea affects nearly 22 million Americans today. However, due to some of the unnoticeable symptoms, nearly 80% of sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed, leading to future health risks like depression, heart attacks, or anxiety.
There are many different signs of sleep apnea such as insomnia, daytime fatigue, snoring, and irritability. These symptoms can make you feel exhausted during the day which can increase your cortisol levels. See how sleep apnea and anxiety may be related due to their common symptom – stress.
Anxiety Can Stem from Sleep Apnea
Just like sleep apnea, stress is a common indicator of a person’s anxiety. Due to lack of sleep, the body will feel overtired during the day and escalate nerves. Over time, this feeling of constant stress will buildup and increase your heart rate and blood pressure, causing psychological health issues.
Since sleep apnea doesn’t allow you to achieve quality sleep, your anxiety will likely progress each day because your mind and body aren’t able to fully recover at night. It’s important to find a solution for both conditions early on because these disorders can aggravate each other, ultimately leading to serious health risks.
What Can Relieve Apnea-Related Anxiety?
When it comes to alleviating your anxiety caused by sleep apnea, you’ll need to find the proper treatment for the sleep disorder. If you’re unsure whether or not if you have sleep apnea, then it’s important to undergo a sleep study to receive a proper diagnosis.
Once you’ve been diagnosed, your physician may recommend a CPAP to help your condition. As an effective alternative, Dr. Lauck also offers an oral appliance. Oral appliances are comfortable and convenient in comparison to the bulky mask and tubes that come with the CPAP machine. Both sleep apnea treatments will help you achieve a better night’s sleep, resulting in less anxiety during the day.
Additionally, you can practice yoga, avoid blue light, or read a book before bed to relax and relieve any extra stress you may be experiencing.
Put An End to Sleepless Nights & Stress Today
No one wants to endure stressful days filled with anxiety or lack of sleep. Discovering treatment to improve your sleep and overall health will make a world of difference in your daily life. Get in touch with a trusted sleep apnea doctor like Dr. Lauck. First, she’ll provide you with effective sleep apnea treatment, and before you know it, you’ll notice a decrease in stress and anxiety too.