How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Everyday Life
Submitted by New Jersey Snoring Solutions on Wed 06/27/2018 - 09:00
By now you are well aware of how a sleep disorder like sleep apnea can affect your ability to get a good night’s rest. But the effects of sleep apnea extend far beyond night time. In this blog post, West Orange dentist and sleep specialist Dr. Ivan Stein explains some of the ways sleep apnea can affect your everyday life.
You Are Constantly Sleepy Throughout the Day
It only makes sense that people who suffer from sleep apnea and lack of sleep are very tired the next day. Bouts of drowsiness and excessive daytime sleepiness are a normal side effect of sleep apnea. Not only does this affect your energy and productivity, it can also make everyday tasks like driving, dangerous. In fact, one study published in the journal Sleep found that sleep apnea more than doubled the risk of motor vehicle accidents.
You Have Trouble Remembering Things
Lack of sleep compromises cognitive function, including memory. It’s not uncommon for individuals with sleep apnea to become very forgetful and have a hard time concentrating. This, in turn, makes it harder to accomplish everyday tasks — and it can affect your performance at work and school.
You Are Irritable or Moody
If you lack restful sleep, you may notice that you are moody or irritable during the day. Research shows chronic lack of sleep can also lead to personality changes and depression.
You Have Low Libido
Individuals with sleep apnea may have little energy for sex and thus low libido. In addition, research has found that men with sleep apnea can suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Sleep Better and Live Happier
With today’s advanced treatment options, there’s no reason to let sleep apnea affect your life. If you have sleep apnea or suspect that you do, the first thing you should do is schedule a consultation with a sleep specialist. A sleep study will be conducted to diagnose the disorder and determine the appropriate treatment plan. The most well-known treatment option is the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which provides continuous air into the air passages to help patients breathe and thus sleep properly at night. A more modern alternative is oral appliance therapy, which uses a dental device to keep the airway clear for uninterrupted breathing and sleep.
To learn about the treatment options for sleep apnea, schedule an appointment with Dr. Stein. Contact New Jersey Sleep Apnea Solutions by calling (855) 949-7667 or sending an email today.
