Intrusive thoughts can be a real downer. Say for example one night you accidentally back into your neighbor’s mailbox, causing minor damage but major embarrassment. Unfortunately, even if they were gracious about it, if you suffer from intrusive thoughts, you may still think about it (and the awkward feelings it caused) every time you see them. Here’s why your sleep schedule could make this worse, and what you can do to prevent it from happening in the future!
Sleep Deprivation and Intrusive Thoughts
According to a recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, sleep deprivation could be responsible for many of those unwanted thoughts we experience following awkward or traumatic events like the scenario mentioned above.
That’s because the areas of your brain known as the hippocampus and the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) are responsible for suppressing this type of thought, and when you are sleep deprived, it can impair both of their abilities to do their jobs.
You see, the more tired you are, the lower your rDLPFC activity, which is essentially responsible stopping the process of retrieving memories. In fact, while it may seem like sleep deprivation would decrease your brain’s activity, the truth is that it instead can increase activity in the areas of the brain responsible for this type of negative executive functioning, meaning that getting proper REM sleep could be the key to preventing intrusive thoughts.
How Can I Overcome Intrusive Thoughts if I Have Sleep Apnea?
Unfortunately, having a sleep disorder like sleep apnea can take its toll on more than just your rest. When left untreated, this condition can cause a variety of physical and mental health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and of course, an increased risk of intrusive thoughts.
The good news is that there is safe, effective treatment available for sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy from your dentist. These comfortable, convenient devices position the airway open naturally, so you can get the rest you deserve without the need for CPAP therapy. This can in turn help your brain function properly, reducing the risk of developing intrusive thoughts.
Remember, in a healthy, functional brain, you should be able to let go of uncomfortable memories of awkward experiences with neighbors and friends. But if you suffer from sleep deprivation due to untreated sleep apnea, you could be setting yourself up to allow them to linger far longer than they should. Stop letting unwanted thoughts ruin your peace. Schedule a consultation for sleep apnea with your dentist today and get the rest your body and mind deserve!
About Our Practice
At Beck Dental Care of Columbia, we understand the importance of a good night’s sleep. That’s why we’re proud to offer oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea treatments. Don’t let poor quality rest wreck your day and cause intrusive thoughts that harm your mental and emotional health. Schedule a consultation today for sleep apnea therapy by visiting our website or calling 931-388-8452.