Sleep deprivation might not sound that bad once in a while, but it’s actually a serious problem that many people suffer from. On average, Americans get between six and eight hours of sleep a night. Some feel wonderful with five or fewer hours, whereas others always have the need to sleep 9 or more daily.
Unfortunately, sleep apnea greatly inhibits a person’s capability to sleep throughout the night and can cause extreme sleep deprivation. At least 75% of adults have reported at least one sleep apnea related symptom, and almost 25% of people sleep in separate rooms due to their partner’s sleep habits, causing them to lose nearly 50 minutes of sleep each night.
- extreme drowsiness
- muscle aches and fatigue
- confusion and/or memory lapses
- headaches and migraines
- hallucinations
- hand tremors
- depression
Patients with sleep apnea are three times more likely than the general population to get into a motor vehicle accident, as 60% of adults still drive even while drowsy.
Snoring, which is a large side effect of sleep apnea, will have negative effects on those who sleep in the same or surrounding rooms. Spouses actually reported increased pain complaints and a reduced quality of life which significantly increased when snoring was treated. Those who report snoring should have a sleep study conducted, as they have a much greater chance of having sleep apnea than those who don’t snore.
Loud snoring and sleep issues are not a healthy combination. Whether caused by snoring, being woken up by someone who’s snoring, or problems with sleep apnea, nights of missed sleep can build into a sleep deficit over time. People with a sleep deficit are unable to concentrate, study, and work effectively. They can also experience emotional problems like depression.
