How Sleep Apnea Can Lead To Psychological Issues
Rudy Watkins
There are many medical problems associated with sleep apnea as well as some psychological ones. If the normal, constant flow of oxygen is interrupted during sleep, the brain is deprived of this essential element and it can cause crippling effects. Recognizing and understanding the psychological symptoms that can occur can lead to treatment and relief.
Why is Sleep Apnea Dangerous?
Sleep apnea is a very common disorder but many may not know that they have it. Basically, a person can stop breathing while sleeping. Muscles in the throat can relax too much and narrow or even close for a short period of time. The tongue can also fall back across the airway while sleeping also affecting breathing.
The end result is the same: the brain is deprived of necessary oxygen, which contributes to a host of other problems. Snoring is usually present in a person who suffers from sleep apnea. This may be the brain's way of alerting the sleeper that the airway is blocked. The sound of the snoring may be loud enough to wake up the person, who may then change their sleeping position. Sleeping on the side instead of the back may decrease sleep apnea episodes.
Psychological Aspects of Sleep Apnea
There can be many physical problems resulting from sleep apnea but the psychological ones are a little harder to recognize and diagnose. The first thing noticed is that the person doesnt get a peaceful nights sleep. A certain amount of sleep is required for the bodys major organs to repair and recharge right down to cellular level.
A person can be exhausted without this in the morning. Drowsiness during the day is present and an intense desire to sleep will stay throughout the day. Frustration and irritability will follow as the person tries to stay awake to perform daily duties. Also there can be problems with concentration and memory loss. Depression can be the ultimate combination of these emotions. A person may feel like they are losing their mind and be unable to focus.
They may only want to spend their day in bed to catch up on the rest they think they need but in reality what they should be doing is getting the treatment for their sleep disorder. In extreme cases, thoughts of suicide may come from sleep apnea. The quality and purpose of ones life will decline if there is oxygen deprivation night after night. Anti-depressant drugs are non effective in these situations as the medical condition of sleep apnea needs to be diagnosed and treated first.
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