Sleep Apnea & Anxiety – A Vicious Cycle
If you are one of our sleep apnea patients, then you know the effect this condition can have on your entire body. Sleep apnea can also have a significant impact on the state of your mental health. Patients who experience sleep apnea have a higher risk of dealing with anxiety. Anxiety is the natural way that some people deal with stressful situations. However, problems can arise when your anxiety is keeping you from living your daily life. Read on to learn if sleep apnea is causing you anxiety.
Sleep Apnea and Anxiety
Sleep apnea and anxiety are very closely linked. There are many patients who experience anxiety as well as sleep apnea. Everyone experiences anxiety in a different way. Some people only feel anxiety as butterflies in their stomach before they do something for the first time or before an experience like performing on stage. Other people have a completely different experience with anxiety, and it keeps them from living their lives to the fullest.
Patients who suffer from sleep apnea are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety symptoms. Many people who have sleep apnea struggle to reach the level of sleep known as “deep sleep.” During this stage of sleep, your body and mind recharge themselves. Sleep apnea keeps patients from reaching this level of sleep for the length of time needed. Anxiety often spikes in patients who have not had adequate sleep.
The cycle of anxiety and sleep apnea can be problematic because the conditions feed off of each other. Basically, sleep apnea can make anxiety worse, and vice versa. The cycle can just keep continuing. When sleep apnea treatment is received and quality sleep is more regular, your level of anxiety should also begin to decrease as well.
If you are experiencing issues with sleep apnea or have questions about treatment, be sure to contact our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA. We are here to help you get quality sleep!
