Coping With OSA Anxiety
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most prevalent form of sleep apnea — a condition that affects around 39 million Americans (National Council on Aging). With 936 million people worldwide believed to have mild to severe OSA, you are not alone in struggling with daytime sleepiness, chronic fatigue, debilitating exhaustion, and nagging physical symptoms from a lack of restorative sleep. Treating OSA requires a professional to get the results you deserve. But one aspect of treatment that is also important to discuss is anxiety and insomnia from obstructive sleep apnea.
Anxiety Can Worsen OSA
OSA understandably causes anxiety — no one wants to wake up gasping for air or choking. However, this anxiety can lead to insomnia, which then causes more sleep-related anxiety. The anxiety can then go on to worsen OSA symptoms when you do fall asleep. It’s a vicious cycle.
The fear you face at night may only be comparable to the distress you feel during the day, as you cannot focus or feel relaxed when you are battling constant fatigue.
Tips for Coping With OSA Anxiety
As you pursue an effective treatment for your obstructive sleep apnea, there are several techniques you may try to manage your night-time anxiety levels:
- Practice deep breathing exercises. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, deep breathing can reduce anxiety and make you feel more at ease.
- Establish a soothing bedtime routine. While you still need to treat OSA, it is important to practice good sleep hygiene. This includes limiting or eliminating screens before bed, having the right temperature, and following a consistent sleep-and-wake schedule.
- Talk to a professional. You may consider reaching out to a talk therapist to help you manage your anxiety and stress levels. While they cannot eliminate sleep apnea, they can offer an outlet to help you cope with the emotional struggles of the disorder.
- See a sleep apnea dentist. Dr. Marc Levin of Philadelphia dedicates his entire practice to helping patients find reprieve from OSA. Through personalized treatments, he helps people get the deep sleep they need.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Contact eos Sleep Dental in Philadelphia, PA, at (215) 241-0700 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Levin. Our Center City practice is conveniently located at 1601 Walnut Street, Suite 1414. With his expertise and experience in treating sleep apnea, Dr. Levin offers advanced oral appliance therapy that can help patients who have been unsuccessful using a C-PAP or bi-PAP machine. Click here to read more about our sleep apnea treatments.