25 Jun Four Troubling Signs of Sleep Deprivation
Are you constantly getting a second, third, or even fourth cup of coffee in the morning? Maybe you’re nearly falling asleep at your desk after lunch, or maybe you have frequent headaches, are hungrier than usual, can’t seem to focus or find yourself feeling a little depressed or snippy towards people.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a common problem in America. With our fast-paced, highly competitive society, we are always feeling like we have to do more, which can unfortunately mean sleeping less.
One cause of sleep deprivation is sleep apnea. There is a myth that sleep apnea is not really that big of a deal, but that is an incorrect assumption. Web MD explains that people with this condition “actually stop breathing up to 400 times a night.” That’s a lot of interrupted sleep, which in time can cause heart attack, high blood pressure, or stroke.
There are many signs of sleep deprivation, but four of the most troubling include:
- Increased anxiety or symptoms of depression — Let’s face it- most of us can get pretty grumpy without the recommended amount of sleep every night. But for some people, it goes a little deeper than that. They can feel much higher levels of anxiety or even begin feeling a little hopeless or depressed.
- Less productivity at work — Often when we’re tired, we don’t want to do anything. Instead of those expense reports you were supposed to put together, maybe you’re on social media or online shopping instead, because those things take a lot less brainpower.
- Accident — Have you ever almost fallen asleep at the wheel of your car? This is obviously a serious issue that sleep deprivation can cause, and it can put you or others in severe danger.
- Impaired cognitive function — Sleep deprivation affects both short-term and long-term memory, because sleep lets the neurons in your brain rest, as illustrated by Health Line.
TMJ & Sleep Solutions of Alabama can remedy your sleep apnea, and with it any associated issues. If you are experiencing issues with sleep, contact us today so you can rest easy!