If you’ve ever been deprived of a good night’s sleep, then you may not need to be convinced that sleep deprivation can have devastating effects on your health, not to mention your overall quality of life. As many of history’s greatest military leaders have attested to, sleep is one of the most important weapons in your arsenal. Without it, your mind and body can’t rest and rejuvenate, and soon your health and mental faculties can begin to rapidly deteriorate. To help you avoid the potential risks of sleep deprivation, we take a look at some of the signs that might point to the possibility of sleep apnea.
More than Just Tired
- Daytime fatigue—one of the most notable and recognizable effects of sleep deprivation is daytime fatigue. Because you haven’t rested, your mind and body will begin to reach their limits in a short period. Feeling extremely tired and unable to perform at your normal levels can sometimes lead to depression.
- Irritability—if you’ve ever lost a night of sleep due to studying, partying, insomnia, or any of a number of reasons, then you were probably not in your best mood the next day. Losing sleep can dramatically shorten your fuse, making you noticeably more irritable and unpleasant to be around.
- Physical impairment—driving when you’re sleep-deprived can be just as deadly as driving while intoxicated. Fatigue often translates to blurred vision, significantly reduced reaction time, muscle weakness, severe headaches, and impaired judgment; all of which should bar you from operating heavy machinery, like your vehicle.
- Reduced cognitive ability—remembering details can be difficult when your mind isn’t performing at its best. Your memory can suffer from sleep deprivation much as your temperament can, and the inability to recall even the simplest things may also contribute to a deeper underlying concern of depression.
Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!
Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.