Sleep Apnea and Anxiety: Gilbert, Arizona ENT Specialists Can Help
Struggling to fall or stay asleep can leave you anxious, fatigued, and unfocused. Sleep apnea, a common but often undiagnosed condition, may contribute to these symptoms.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when throat muscles relax during sleep, blocking your airway. Symptoms include snoring, gasping, frequent awakenings, and daytime sleepiness. Untreated OSA increases risks of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues.
The Anxiety Connection
While anxiety doesn’t directly cause OSA, untreated sleep apnea can worsen anxiety and depression. Lack of sleep also affects brain areas responsible for emotional processing, making anxiety worse. Central sleep apnea, caused by brain signaling issues, may also be linked to conditions that contribute to anxiety.
Getting Treatment
Treating sleep apnea with CPAP therapy or other interventions improves sleep, energy, and mental health. A sleep study is the first step to diagnosing any sleep disorder.
We Can Help in Gilbert
At Enticare in Gilbert, Arizona, our ENT specialists focus on diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. Proper sleep is essential for your mind and body—schedule a sleep study today to start waking up refreshed, rested, and ready to face your day.