How Can Sleep Apnea and Anxiety Be Connected?

Sleep apnea and anxiety may seem like two completely different issues on the surface. However, there is plenty of research that strongly indicates that the two may be more connected than they initially seem. In fact, one study found that over half of patients with sleep disorders also had some level of anxiety. How are these seemingly separate issues linked? And what can you do about them? Here’s what you need to know in order to improve your overall quality of life.

What Exactly is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is estimated to affect about 30 million people in the United States. If you have this disorder, you may experience repeated pauses in your breathing while you slumber. Said pauses are often a result of the airway becoming obstructed in some way, usually by relaxed tissues in the mouth or throat.

Each pause can force your body to briefly awaken in an attempt to get some air. These awakenings are very short, so you may not remember them. However, they can still prevent you from getting quality sleep. As a result, you are likely to feel excessively tired during the day. Furthermore, sleep apnea is known to increase the chances of life-threatening health issues such as heart problems.

How Can Sleep Apnea Be Linked to Anxiety?

While there may not necessarily be a direct causal link between sleep apnea and anxiety, one could easily make the other worse. The tiredness caused by sleep apnea can hinder your ability to cope with stress properly. Meanwhile, anxiety can make it harder to fall and stay asleep, which means it can add to any slumber problems you’re already dealing with due to sleep apnea.

How Can Sleep Apnea and Anxiety Be Treated?

The most common form of sleep apnea treatment is CPAP therapy. However, your sleep dentist may be able to offer an alternative that doesn’t involve noisy, bulky equipment. For example, wearing a customized oral appliance at night can help you maintain an open airway and reduce your chances of experiencing sleep apnea episodes.

Treating your sleep apnea can also help reduce symptoms related to anxiety. That being said, if you want to address anxiety directly, you will need to pursue additional forms of treatment. Talk to your doctor to see what they recommend.

Sleep apnea and anxiety can both hinder your ability to get the most out of life, but luckily, both conditions can be taken care of as long as you’re proactive about getting the treatment you need.

About the Author

Dr. Deborah A. Romack graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry. In 2005, she started attending continuing education courses about obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, and similar topics. At Weatherford Dental Sleep Medicine, she provides oral appliance therapy and other solutions for patients who are struggling with sleep apnea. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Romack, visit her website or call (817) 594-3806.