A good night’s sleep goes beyond physical rest. While you sleep, your brain stores and consolidates the information you have learned. That information may be needed the next day, the following week, or even years later.
During sleep, the brain processes information and establishes connections. Often, after resting, we are able to find solutions to problems that once seemed complex.
See how important sleep is to your mental health? Keep reading to learn more!
Unfortunately, not everyone enjoys restorative sleep. Today, more than 80 sleep disorders have been identified, which means the likelihood of being affected by one of them is not insignificant. The most important step is to recognize the problem early in order to begin treatment.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Among the most common disorders is sleep apnea, which can not only occur on its own but also contribute to the development of other conditions, such as depression.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common condition. It is characterized by the obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, often accompanied by a drop in blood oxygen saturation and brief awakenings to breathe. The main symptoms include loud and frequent snoring, breathing pauses, fragmented sleep, and, as a result, disabling daytime symptoms such as excessive drowsiness, cognitive impairments (memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and decreased work productivity), and morning headaches.
Sleep apnea is more than a nighttime condition, it directly affects quality of life. Patients with OSA are more likely to develop anxiety and depression.
The Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Depression
According to the article Apneia do sono aumenta chance de desenvolver ansiedade e depressão (Sleep Apnea Increases the Likelihood of Developing Anxiety and Depression), published at https://www.diariodasaude.com.br/ in July 2012, the greater the severity of Apnea, the higher the risk for patients to develop neurobehavioral symptoms. A study conducted by Dr. Clélia Maria Ribeiro French, neurologist at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), found that 60% of its participants who had sleep apnea also had some degree of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs because pauses in breathing during sleep lead to periods of low blood and tissue oxygenation followed by reoxygenation. Left untreated, this disorder can have several consequences, including depression.
Depression is characterized by deep sadness, lack of motivation, irritability, and changes in sleep patterns. But why does sleep apnea trigger this condition? Because it reduces oxygen supply to the brain and impairs memory and reasoning. Furthermore, patients with sleep apnea tend to have lower cortisol release. Cortisol is the hormone that regulates blood sugar, stress response, and serotonin levels, and it also plays a key role in memory consolidation during sleep.
Those who suffer from sleep apnea and do not seek treatment compromise not only the quality of their rest but also their ability to concentrate during the day, as well as their mental and emotional well-being. It is essential to seek medical help. Diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. For this, physicians may request sleep-monitoring tests.
One option is the Biologix Sleep Test®, a simple, practical, and efficient at-home test that eliminates the need to spend the night in a sleep lab. At bedtime, the user simply places the Oxistar® sensor, a high-performance oximeter, on their finger and starts the test in the Biologix app. The following morning, the results are available within seconds, allowing the evaluation of sleep apnea.
Another diagnostic method is polysomnography, a more comprehensive test conducted overnight in a sleep lab. During this procedure, sensors monitor airflow through the nose and mouth, blood oxygenation, heart rate, brain activity, and limb and thorax movement.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will depend on the cause of severity of the disorder. Mild cases are often managed with lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, reducing alcohol consumption before bed, and improving sleep hygiene. Another option is the use of oral appliances, which may be prescribed to reposition the jaw and keep the airway open, or respiratory assistance devices, such as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), to provide a constant flow of air to prevent airway collapse. Moreover, in certain cases, surgery may be performed. These treatments are generally very effective, offering immediate and long-term benefits for both health and quality of life.
DISCLAIMER: Only properly qualified physicians can diagnose diseases, recommend treatments and prescribe medications. The information available herein is for educational purposes only.
