Could Sleep Apnea Be Causing Your Nightmares?

You know that unsettled feeling you get when you have a bad dream? Even though you know it’s not real, they can still leave you feeling anxious and uneasy all day. But while most people only have to deal with them every once in a while, for those with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequent nightmares can often be a way of life.

OSA: A Nightmare Scenario

While it is not known why exactly people with OSA have nightmares so often, frequent waking may make them easier to remember and more vivid than they might be for those who have a sounder night’s sleep. Worse yet, OSA sufferers often exhibit more signs of depression and anxiety during the day, making those uncomfortable feelings linger longer than they normally would.

A Dream Come True: Treating Your OSA

Thankfully, there are ways to reduce your OSA symptoms and start getting the sleep you need. With the help of your dentist, an oral appliance known as a mandibular advancement device (MAD) can be customized to fit your individual mouth, allowing you to rest comfortably without the need for frustrating CPAP equipment.

MADs position the jaw in such a way that your airway is naturally propped open while you sleep, allowing you to breathe properly so you don’t wake constantly. This in turn can help increase your blood oxygen levels and reduce depression symptoms during the day. While there are no guarantees that the content and quality of your dreams will improve, studies have shown that patients who treated their OSA reported improved mental health and less feelings of depression, which could translate to less nightmares.

Whether you already have an OSA diagnosis and are currently unhappy with your CPAP machine, you suspect that you could have OSA, or you suffer from frequent nightmares or depression symptoms that constantly leave you on edge, you owe it to yourself to speak to a sleep professional about your options. A MAD can help you improve the quality of your rest, boost your mood, and even benefit your overall health and wellbeing.

About Dr. Romack

Since 2005, Dr. Deborah A. Romack has had a keen interest in sleep dentistry, taking continuing education courses about OSA, airway obstruction, and snoring, just to name a few. She understands the connection between how well we sleep and the function and health of our bodies and is proud to offer sleep solutions such as MADs in her Weatherford clinic.

To schedule an appointment and start getting a better night’s sleep, please visit our website, or give us a call at 817-646-3084.