Sleep Apnea: 10 Ways It Degrades Your Sleep Quality and Well-Being
Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, many individuals suffer from a common sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. The condition is distinguished by breathing pauses during sleep, resulting in disrupted sleep cycles. This effect degrades sleep quality and well-being in several ways.
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Your Well-Being from Poor Sleep Quality?
People need quality sleep to function effectively throughout the day so their bodies have adequate time to repair and recover. Unfortunately, the following effects of sleep apnea on your quality of sleep are detrimental to your well-being, highlighting the seriousness of seeking professional help from a specialist like Bob Perkins, DDS:
- Frequent Interruptions: Sleep apnea causes frequent pauses in breathing, disrupting the natural sleep cycle. These interruptions can occur multiple times throughout the night, preventing you from achieving deep, restorative sleep.
- Snoring: Loud and chronic snoring is a common symptom of sleep apnea. It disturbs your sleep and affects your bed partner’s sleep quality.
- Daytime Fatigue: Sleep apnea leads to excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. You may have trouble staying awake and alert during the day, which lowers your productivity and general happiness.
- Morning Headaches: Sleep apnea often results in morning headaches due to decreased oxygen levels during sleep. These headaches can be persistent and interfere with your daily activities.
- Mood Disturbances: Lack of quality sleep can significantly impact your mood and emotional well-being. Sleep apnea is associated with irritability, depression and mood swings, affecting relationships and happiness.
- Memory and Concentration Problems: Inadequate sleep affects cognitive function, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating and decreased alertness. These issues can hinder your performance at work or school.
- High Blood Pressure: Sleep apnea is closely linked to high blood pressure. Repeated breathing pauses during sleep can cause blood pressure levels to rise, putting you at risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Increased Risk of Accidents: Driving or operating machinery accidents are more likely to occur in people with sleep apnea because fatigue impairs motor skills and reaction time.
- Weight Gain: Sleep apnea and weight gain often go hand in hand. The disorder disrupts hormones that regulate appetite, leading to increased cravings and weight gain over time.
- Decreased Quality of Life: The constant tiredness, lack of energy and physical and emotional consequences can limit your participation in activities you enjoy and impact your relationships.
Sleep apnea significantly degrades your quality of life. If you suspect sleep apnea, Dr. Perkins can help you explore treatment options and design a plan tailored to your needs. With his expertise and experience, you can regain restful sleep and improve your overall well-being.
Arrange a Sleep Apnea Consultation Today and Feel Better Sooner!
Quality sleep is vital for a healthy and fulfilling life. Do not let sleep apnea continue to weaken it. Instead, take action today and prioritize your well-being by contacting South California TMJ and Sleep Center’s Malibu or Studio City offices to arrange a consultation.