Sleep Apnea & Your Mental Health in Reading, PA
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Contact UsWhat Is the Link between Sleep Apnea and Your Mental Health
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being, including your mental health. At The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center, we understand the importance of addressing the connection between sleep apnea symptoms and impaired mental health. Reading, PA sleep specialist Dr. Stephen Sulzbach and his team provide effective treatment options to help our patients get the sleep they need for a sound mind. Learn more about how sleep apnea affects your mental health and call our office to schedule a consultation.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Mental Health?
Sleep apnea can cause a variety of problems that negatively affect mental wellness, including:
Depression
People with sleep apnea are more likely to experience depression than those without the disorder. Sleep apnea causes a lack of oxygen, which can lead to changes in brain chemistry and an increased risk of depression.
Anxiety
Sleep apnea can cause anxiety symptoms such as racing thoughts, restlessness, and excessive worry. The stress of dealing with a sleep disorder can also contribute to anxiety.
Irritability
People with sleep apnea often feel irritable and moody due to poor sleep quality. They may also experience difficulty concentrating and have short tempers.
Cognitive Impairment
Sleep apnea can impact cognitive function, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities, often making it difficult to complete daily tasks and impacting job performance.
Insomnia
People with sleep apnea often struggle with insomnia, which can lead to a variety of problems with mental wellness. Insomnia can cause fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Worsening Pre-Existing Mental Health Issues
Sleep apnea can exacerbate the symptoms of any pre-existing psychological issues you may have.
The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania Reviews
Dr. Sulzbach helped me with my sleep apnea and snoring. My wife is so much happier now!
I have had the luck and the pleasure of seeing Dr. Salzbach on several occasions. An extremely knowledgeable and professional, who truly does care about his patients. He takes the time to explain options, procedures to you in a way that you've understand and is very up front. I would highly recommend anytime to anyone.
Dr. Sulzbach and Corrine Lambert were amazing in taking care of my sleep apnea needs. I can’t wait to see how much improvement there is with the new device.
I have sleep apnea and felt awful for years. Just constantly tired. I can't wear the cpap. I tried but I just hate the thing. Dr Steve made a dental appliance and I am sleeping through the night without even snoring for the first time in probably 20 years. He's really laid back but straight to the point.
I have been going to Dr. Steve for years. He is a competent and wonderful dentist. It is a shame what Harrisburg tried to do to him. I guess when they need a scape goat to further their agenda they don't care who they try to hurt in the process. Rest assured he is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to and goes beyond the standard of care!
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How Can Mental Health Be Improved While Dealing with Sleep Apnea?
If you’re experiencing psychological problems related to sleep apnea, there are several things you can do to improve your symptoms.
Seek Treatment for Sleep Apnea
The most effective way to improve your mental wellness while dealing with apneic episodes is to seek treatment for the disorder. Dr. Sulzbach and his Reading, PA team offer a variety of treatment options, including oral appliances and surgical devices like Inspire®.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
In addition to sleep apnea treatment, practicing good sleep hygiene can help improve your mental wellness. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bed, and creating a relaxing sleep environment.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can help improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. It can also promote better sleep quality, which can help alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.
Manage Stress
Stress can contribute to psychological problems and exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing relaxation techniques or engaging in enjoyable hobbies, can help improve sleep quality and promote mental wellness.
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About UsLearn More About Sleep Apnea and Your Mental Health
If you’re experiencing mental health problems related to sleep apnea, it’s important to seek treatment from a sleep apnea specialist. At The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center, Dr. Stephen Sulzbach and his team provide effective treatment options for patients in Reading, PA, and the surrounding areas, including Hamburg, Ephrata, and Reading.
To learn more about how we can help you promote your mental wellness and improve sleep quality with sleep apnea treatment, contact us today or fill out the contact form below. We’re committed to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being with effective sleep apnea solutions.
Sleep Apnea & Mental Health FAQs
Can sleep apnea lead to substance abuse?
Sleep apnea can cause disruptions in sleep, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. This can increase the risk of substance abuse, as individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms or try to stay awake. In addition, untreated sleep apnea can also cause mood disturbances and other mental health issues, which can increase the risk of substance abuse and addiction as well.
Can sleep apnea cause post-traumatic stress disorder?
Recent research has suggested a possible link between sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with PTSD have a higher prevalence of sleep apnea, and sleep apnea can worsen PTSD symptoms.
Trauma can also increase the likelihood of developing sleep apnea. Disrupted sleep caused by sleep apnea can exacerbate anxiety, nightmares, irritability, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can worsen PTSD symptoms.
How does untreated sleep apnea affect cognitive function?
Sleep apnea can negatively impact cognitive function, particularly memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. Oxygen deprivation caused by sleep apnea can damage the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for these functions.
Additionally, fragmented sleep can interfere with the brain’s ability to process and store information. Untreated sleep apnea can also increase the risk of developing conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Is treating sleep apnea guaranteed to improve my mental health?
While treating sleep apnea is not guaranteed to improve mental health, it can certainly help to alleviate symptoms of sleep deprivation and improve overall well-being. By treating sleep apnea and improving sleep quality, individuals may experience improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and overall better mental health. However, it’s important to note that mental wellness is complex and may require additional treatment beyond addressing sleep apnea.