Do you frequently wake up at night to use the bathroom? Does your spouse or partner complain about you snoring? You may have sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder. In addition to interrupting your nightly rest, sleep apnea has been linked with many serious health issues, including depression. Fortunately, an experienced dentist can help! Keep reading to discover the connection between sleep apnea and depression – and how sleep apnea treatment in Stephens City can likely reduce symptoms of both conditions.
What is Sleep Apnea?
A common sleep disorder that affects approximately 22 million Americans, sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions to a person’s breathing while they sleep. The most common form of the disorder, known as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), occurs when the tissues in the mouth and throat relax so much that they actually block the airway and stop breathing. These interruptions, which can sometimes last for longer than 10 seconds, disrupt the REM sleep cycle and can lead to negative health issues over time.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Depression
Medical experts already know that sleep apnea is linked to a range of serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has shed new light on the connection between sleep apnea and depression.
The study found that more than 70% of people with sleep apnea experience symptoms of depression. In addition, the researchers determined that the greater the severity of sleep apnea, the higher the likelihood of symptoms of depression.
Although more research needs to be done, the study does highlight a promising path toward effectively reducing symptoms of depression through sleep apnea therapy. Of the 228 study participants with sleep apnea, only 4% had significant symptoms of depression three months after undergoing treatment for sleep apnea.
How to Treat Sleep Apnea and Reduce Depressive Symptoms
Sleep apnea treatment in Stephens City from may be able to help relieve negative symptoms of both your sleeping disorder and depression. An initial consultation with your dentist can help determine if would you benefit from oral appliance therapy.
An oral appliance is a small, durable mouthpiece the makes slight adjustments to a person’s jaw position to prevent their airway from being obstructed. The custom-made device is worn at night while one sleeps and can dramatically reduce symptoms of sleep apnea – and, according to the research, potentially depression as well!
If you are experiencing nightly trouble due to sleep apnea, do not wait to get the help you need. Talk to your dentist today about how oral appliance therapy can deliver a good night’s rest and fight depression.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas Gromling has over 40 years of experience helping patients overcome sleep apnea in Stephens City. An active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he offers several varieties of custom oral appliances to patients suffering from sleep apnea. For more information on common sleep disorders and treatments, visit Dr. Gromling’s website or call 540-869-4377.