How Sleep Apnea Impacts Mental Health

Sleep apnea, specifically obstructive sleep apnea, is often regarded solely as a physical health concern that disrupts our rest and leaves us tired. However, there’s another side to this condition.

Beyond the physical discomfort, this condition has the potential to negatively affect our mental state, casting a dark shadow over our emotional well-being. Recent research suggests a link between sleep apnea and depression.

Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive treatment that shows promise as a means to alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea and, in turn, lighten the weight of depression. Below, we delve into the impact of this condition on mental health and explore how myofunctional therapy can be a game-changer.

What is sleep apnea, and why does it happen?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is a common sleep disorder characterized by frequent pauses or cessation of breathing during sleep.

OSA occurs when the muscles that support the soft tissues in your throat, such as your tongue and soft palate, temporarily relax. This relaxation causes your airway to narrow or close, making it difficult to breathe and decreasing blood oxygen levels. As a result, the brain wakes you up to resume breathing, often so briefly that you don’t remember the disruption.

The most common symptoms of OSA include loud snoring, episodes of breathing cessation (perhaps observed by another person), abrupt awakenings followed by gasping or choking, morning headaches, excessive daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and vice versa. Therefore, if you exhibit other symptoms, such as daytime fatigue and mood changes, you should go ahead and consult a health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

How is depression related to sleep apnea?

Depression is a common yet serious mental health disorder that negatively influences how you feel, think, and act. Characteristics include persistent feelings of sadness or a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. These symptoms can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person’s ability to function at work and at home.

Sleep apnea and depression often coexist due to various interconnected factors. The frequent sleep interruptions from this condition can lead to poor sleep quality and fatigue, which can then contribute to feelings of depression. Additionally, the lowered blood oxygen levels may cause decreased cognitive function, frequent mood swings, and increased anxiety, all of which are common in people with depression.

It’s important to note that while sleep apnea can contribute to the onset of depression, the relationship between the two is complex. Therefore, treating this condition can be a crucial step toward alleviating depressive symptoms and improving overall mental health.

What is myofunctional therapy, and how does it work?

Myofunctional therapy is a treatment program designed to correct improper tongue positioning and dysfunctional breathing patterns—factors that can contribute significantly to sleep apnea. Through a series of exercises, the therapy aims to strengthen and coordinate the muscles that control the tongue, lips, and lower face. This improves the patient’s breathing patterns, particularly during sleep, which can help reduce the frequency of apnea episodes.

One of the key advantages of myofunctional therapy is that it is an entirely noninvasive treatment option. It doesn’t require the use of any medical devices or surgical procedures, which makes it a great choice for patients who are hesitant about other forms of treatment.

By effectively treating obstructive sleep apnea, myofunctional therapy can play a critical role in managing symptoms of depression. Since this condition can exacerbate feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and mood swings, addressing the root of the problem with myofunctional therapy can result in significant improvements in overall mental health. It’s fair to say that myofunctional therapy isn’t only a treatment for OSA, but it can also be an important tool in the fight against sleep apnea-related depression.

What’s the first step to getting relief from sleep apnea and depression?

The first step toward obtaining relief from sleep apnea and depression is to seek professional medical advice. Scheduling an appointment with your general practitioner or a sleep specialist is essential to receive a proper evaluation and diagnosis of this condition. Once diagnosed, consider visiting My Chico Dentist for a variety of treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as comprehensive dental care.

At My Chico Dentist, you can explore options such as myofunctional therapy, which can significantly reduce sleep apnea episodes and improve your mental health. Another potential treatment method is the use of a specialized mouth guard to help alleviate OSA symptoms by positioning the jaw and tongue in a way that facilitates easier breathing during sleep.

By tackling sleep apnea head-on, you’re taking a crucial step toward mitigating its impacts, potentially leading to a significant reduction in depression symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life.

Learn more about myofunctional therapy by scheduling an appointment.

Sleep apnea doesn’t just disrupt your sleep; it can significantly impact your mental health and overall quality of life. However, there’s good news. With the help of a dentist experienced in treating this condition, like those at My Chico Dentist, and the power of myofunctional therapy, you can tackle your sleep apnea head-on and reclaim your health and happiness.

Don’t let sleep apnea control your life any longer. Contact My Chico Dentist today to schedule your consultation and explore how our experienced team can help.