Sleep Apnea & Depression
Keep An Eye on Your Mental Health
Sleep apnea can wreak havoc on your life — it causes both physical and mental health issues. At our Encino sleep dentist’s office, we want to make sure your treatment goes seamlessly. But that isn’t always possible. Lack of sleep can be a dangerous thing, and if you aren’t paying attention, serious mental health conditions can sneak up on you.
Effects of Sleep Apnea on the Body
Sleep Apnea occurs when your body stops breathing periodically while you sleep. When you stop breathing, blood oxygen levels are reduced and there’s a strain on your heart and cardiovascular system. People with untreated sleep apnea have an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, diabetes, arrhythmias, depression, reflux, impotence, and more.
Effects of Sleep Apnea on Mental Health
As one can imagine, reduced oxygen to the brain isn’t good for any part of living life. Not only does it have an effect on your physical health, but also on your mental health. Lack of sleep can leave you feeling sluggish and make it difficult to focus on even the smallest of tasks.
All of these effects can leave you at higher risk for depression and other mental health issues such as anxiety.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can be easy to spot if you are in the depths of it. So if you suffer from sleep apnea, be on the lookout for these symptoms:
Behavioral:
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Social isolation
Mood:
- Apathy
- General discontent
- Guilt
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Mood swings
Physical:
- Dramatic change in appetite
- Fatigue
Where to Find Help
At the Encino Center for Sleep Disorders & TMJ, we offer state-of-the-art methods for sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment to help treat your physical health needs. If you feel you are suffering from depression caused by your sleep apnea, we encourage you to seek professional psychiatric treatment.
For sleep apnea treatment, call our Encino office at 818-300-0070 or fill out the online contact form.
