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?
Although sleep apnea is a very common disorder, many people may be affected by it but not know they have it. Basically, this condition causes a person to stop breathing during sleep. Throat muscles that relax too much and narrow the airways or even close the opening for a short time can cause this. The tongue can also fall back across the airway during sleep and this will affect 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.
If this doesn't happen, the person will feel exhausted in the morning. Daytime drowsiness is present, and this overpowering desire to sleep will stay with the person throughout the day. This will cause frustration and irritability, as the person needs to stay awake to perform their daily tasks. Problems with concentration and memory loss are also common. All of these emotions will add up and contribute to a growing sense of depression. The person may even feel like they are losing their mind, as their ability to think clearly is diminished.
The only desire may be to stay in bed and get the rest they think they need, when in reality, they should be seeking treatment for their sleep disorder. In extreme cases, the psychological problems of sleep apnea may include thoughts of suicide. If the brain is continually deprived of oxygen night after night, the quality and purpose of a person's life steadily declines. Anti-depressant drugs are not effective in this case because the medical condition of sleep apnea needs to be diagnosed and effectively treated first.
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