SCOTTS VALLEY, SANTA CRUZ CA
Every day, people all over the world wake up and feel unrested. According to the CDC, more than one in three Americans struggle with sleeping regularly. Even though adults aged 18 to 60 should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night, many fail to do so and increase their risk of developing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. However, treatment for sleep loss must go beyond physical disruptions and consider mental challenges as well. Our Scotts Valley obstructive sleep apnea dentists at Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry share on the blog today how a lack of sleep can affect your mental health and available treatments to help your body get the rest it needs and deserves.
Can sleep problems cause depression?
In short, yes. Your mental health and sleep hygiene directly impact one another. For example, poor sleep can affect a person’s mental health, and mental health issues can immensely impact an individual’s sleep pattern. Unfortunately, a clinical depression diagnosis only occurs when symptoms begin to interfere with day-to-day activities, but the longer depression lasts without treatment, the more damage it causes to sleep health. Therefore, whether you suffer from insomnia or sleep apnea, seeking immediate treatment from our Santa Cruz airway dentists can reduce the impact sleep loss has on your mental health.
How can I tell if I’m sleep-deprived?
Sleep deprivation can affect everyone differently. In general, occasional sleep interruptions may cause irritability and frustration the following day. However, prolonged interruptions or lack of sleep may have severe health repercussions that can interfere with an already busy day. For example, some common signs or symptoms you may experience when you suffer from sleep deprivation include fatigue, irritability, mood changes, difficulty focusing, and a reduced sex drive. Therefore, if you or your partner experience the above symptoms regularly, our Los Gatos sleep apnea dentists encourage you to seek medical advice and treatment before advanced health conditions develop.
How does lack of sleep affect my mental health?
Your brain and body require sleep to recharge and restore. However, inadequate or disrupted sleep can increase fatigue, induce stress, and reduce your overall cognitive ability. Additionally, and as stated above, a lack of sleep is a significant trigger of depression and may cause a relapse or induce anxiety episodes. Therefore, treatment from our Scotts Valley sleep apnea dentists for airway obstructions could help improve sleep and reduce negative mental conditions.
What are some treatments that can restore sleep?
There are several methods to help address sleep loss, depending on your symptoms. First, lifestyle changes like reduced caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine intake before bed can improve your sleep health. Additionally, daily exercise can help prolong deep sleep and reduce sleep interruptions. However, people who try lifestyle changes and are still not getting the rest they need may require additional medical intervention to promote restful sleep. For example, our Santa Cruz sleep apnea dentists explain that patients who suffer from a sleep breathing disorder may benefit from wearing an oral appliance to realign the jaw and open the airway. By doing so, you help your body receive the oxygen it needs to restore vital organs and protect your mental health.
Sleep Apnea Treatment in Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California
Navigating the day without a proper amount of sleep can seem like an uphill battle, especially when you can’t concentrate or have no energy. Unfortunately, the compounding effects of sleep loss can dramatically impact your mental health and well-being. Therefore, if you notice any signs or symptoms of sleep deprivation, our Los Gatos sleep apnea dentists encourage you to contact Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry for an appointment before your health suffers. Please call our office at (831) 438-4411 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
