It’s not uncommon for an unwanted or obtrusive thought or feeling to pop into our heads every now and again; for most people, these thoughts pass quickly and without distress, but for others, they can be repetitive, uncontrollable, and disturbing. But did you know that one common trigger for these types of intrusions is sleep deprivation? Here’s more about this connection and why it’s important to seek treatment for sleep disorders such as sleep apnea that have the potential to deny you a good night’s sleep.
What Causes Sleep Deprivation?
There are several things that cause one to miss out on sleep—loud noises like the neighbor’s barking dog, the rumbling of a train in the early hours of the morning, or the clatter of pots and pans as breakfast is being prepared. But sometimes sleep deprivation is caused by something far less innocent: sleep apnea.
Obstructive sleep apnea, one of the most common forms of the condition, is characterized by blockage in the airway during sleep. Though this condition varies in severity, it notably causes sleep deprivation in those impacted by it. Since it blocks the flow of oxygen during sleep, patients must wake up to normalize their breathing, thereby exiting REM sleep and missing out on all of its restorative benefits. These episodes can happen hundreds of times in a given night, which adds up to a substantial amount of lost sleep.
How Does Sleep Deprivation Lead to Unwanted Thoughts?
In everyday life, an unpleasant or mundane encounter can remind us of a previously unpleasant experience; it can be something as simple as someone cutting you off while you’re driving on the highway, or even someone giving you a funny look. Although these thoughts aren’t always obtrusive or alarming, if they’re frequent enough, they can be frustrating. Fortunately, the human brain has a coping mechanism; it can distract itself and effectively suppress and block out these thoughts, though this ability varies dramatically between individuals.
But sleep deprivation radically impacts our ability to suppress these unwanted thoughts. Research shows that individuals who suffer from sleep deprivation have a difficult time suppressing their thoughts, and even experience an increase in these thoughts by up to 50%. This can also lead to a vicious, compounding cycle that traps patients in a loop of not receiving enough sleep, which can cause additional negative thoughts that further interfere with rest. However, those who are able to achieve REM sleep on a consistent nightly basis have a much easier time suppressing unwanted thoughts.
How Can Sleep Deprivation Be Resolved?
If your sleep deprivation is causing you to experience unwanted thoughts, in addition to other undesirable issues that threaten your day-to-day routine as well as your overall wellness, you should consider seeking professional treatment. If the poor quality of your sleep is the result of sleep apnea, receiving a diagnosis will allow you to seek effective treatment options including CPAP therapy or oral appliance therapy.
About the Practice
The team at Star Sleep & Wellness in Plano is excited to provide patients in Plano and the surrounding DFW metroplex with exceptional care! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to set up a visit for you or someone you know who’s struggling to get a good night’s rest, don’t hesitate to contact the practice online or by phone today for further assistance. Telephone: (214) 750-7776.