It’s easy to not feel like yourself or be in a bad mood if you don’t sleep well. Sleep apnea can have this impact. By interrupting your sleep throughout the night, sleep apnea reduces the amount of restorative sleep you get, with the potential to impact your mood and health.
Sleep apnea occurs when airway muscles relax during sleep and pinch off the airway, resulting in a lack of breathing for 10 seconds or more. It occurs in three percent of normal-weight individuals and 20 percent of overweight individuals.
Mood-Related Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can lead to several mood-related issues, including:
- Irritability: Poor sleep often leaves people feeling short-tempered or easily frustrated.
- Depression: People with untreated sleep apnea are more prone to symptoms of depression.
- Anxiety: Sleep apnea can increase stress levels, which may make it harder to cope with anxiety.
- Low motivation: Lack of sleep can sap energy, making it difficult to stay motivated or engaged in daily activities.
Why Sleep Apnea Impacts Mood
Sleep apnea disrupts the normal sleep cycle, which is essential for emotional processing and mental restoration. Without enough sleep, the brain has a harder time regulating emotions and managing stress, leading to fatigue and increased sensitivity to negative feelings.
Additionally, the constant interruptions to breathing reduce oxygen levels in the blood, which may also impact brain function and mood regulation.
Managing Mood with Sleep Apnea Treatment
Treating sleep apnea can help improve sleep quality, leading to better mood stability and emotional health.
Options include:
- CPAP therapy: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices keep airways open, reducing the frequency of sleep disruptions.
- Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet and exercise routine and avoiding alcohol can reduce sleep apnea symptoms and improve mood.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can be useful for managing depression or anxiety linked to sleep apnea.
Addressing sleep apnea with appropriate treatment can bring a noticeable improvement in mood and quality of life. If you suspect sleep apnea may be affecting your emotional health, schedule a consultation with Charleston ENT & Allergy today to discuss a path to better sleep.