Sleep Apnea: Time To Come Out Of Hibernation!

Spring is almost here, but all you want to do is hibernate. You’re more than just a little tired. You feel groggy when you wake up in the morning. You hit the snooze a few more times than you used to. Suddenly, even your morning coffee isn’t enough to wipe the cobwebs from your eyes.

You’re finding it more and more difficult to stay focused at work. Sure, you’re functioning well enough to keep your job, but lately, you’re forgetting little things here and there. Your attention to detail isn’t what it used to be, and you were late to the Monday morning meeting because you simply….forgot.

And that gym membership you signed up for after the New Year? You got through January well enough with three or four weekly glides on the treadmill, but lately, the membership card on your key ring has become a depressing reminder of the extra weight you’ve started carrying around. Your clothes feel snugger, so not only do you lack the energy to hit the gym on the way home from work, but you’re too embarrassed to be seen huffing and puffing in spin class while your yoga pants threaten to cut off your circulation.

So you skip the gym and tell yourself, “Maybe tomorrow…” Once you’re home, you begin your second job as a parent. You shuffle your way slowly around the kitchen making dinner, while your kids sit at the kitchen table doing homework. You try to help them when they ask you questions, but you’re good just to keep your checkbook balanced, let alone try to focus long enough to do algebra.

And finally, you collapse into bed, wanting nothing more than a restful night’s sleep, hoping against hope that you’ll feel better tomorrow. But after what seems like only 5 minutes later, the alarm goes off, and the vicious cycle begins again.

Had enough? It’s possible that sleep apnea could be what’s behind your daily trance-like sluggishness.

Maybe it’s time you considered an appointment with our own Dr. Cavendish. He can help determine if you’re suffering from sleep apnea. Our experienced team helps patients all the time find relief with sleep apnea treatment in Phoenix, AZ.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Sleep?

Sleep apnea, or any sleep disturbance for that matter, can have a profoundly negative impact on your health. Sleep deprivation causes a whole host of health problems, which is why it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis from a trained professional like Dr. Cavendish.

Let’s go over just a few of the potential health risks that can plague you when you don’t get enough sleep.

Weight Gain

Your body and your brain need rest in order to function properly. If you don’t get the necessary hours, typically eight a night for the average adult, your body cannot create enough leptin, which is the hormone that sends signals to your brain that you’ve had enough to eat.

This means you’re more likely to overeat. When you couple that with a lack of exercise because you’re too exhausted, you’re at a higher risk for obesity.

Weakened Immune System

Without proper rest, your body won’t be able to build up those powerful natural defenses it needs to fight off infection and disease. You can become more susceptible to the common cold, the flu, and other respiratory problems.

With a weakened immune system, you may also find it more difficult to recover from illness as well. If sleep deprivation persists over a long period of time, you increase your risk of more chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Central Nervous System

A tired central nervous system can cause problems with short-term and long-term memory, ability to focus. You become less agile and alert, which can make you more accident and injury-prone, and you can also suffer from moodiness and depression.

Sleep deprivation really takes a toll on your ability to function, not just because it makes you tired, but because of the snowball effect all of these problems can have on your professional ability and your interpersonal relationships.

Make an Appointment!

Isn’t it time you get to the bottom of what’s causing your sleep deprivation? Trust Dr. Cavendish and our experienced team to help you get the proper diagnosis and treatment you’ve so desperately needed. Call us at 602-835-1304 or fill out our online form for an appointment.

Spring is just around the corner. Let us help you out of hibernation!