Getting a proper night’s rest is an important investment in yourself. But what happens when your sleep apnea prevents you from recieving the slumber you need? If you’re like some, it could put you into what is known as sleep debt, a constant cycle of trying to “pay back” or catch up on those missed hours of shut eye. Here’s why this doesn’t usually work long-term, and what you can do to finally settle your tab and get the z’s you deserve!
Understanding Sleep Debt
Sleep debt is the term used to define the difference between how much shut eye you need versus how long you’re actually asleep. For example, if you need eight hours every night but only slept five hours, you’ll need to pay back three hours on another night to settle your balance and be officially caught up.
Paying Back Sleep Debt
In a perfect world, you would be able to thrive on as little or as much sleep as you want, but unfortunately most bodies don’t work that way. This means that when you lose sleep one night, you’ll need to make it up at another time to feel truly rested. Worse still, much like financial debt, you’ll likely end up paying “interest”, because even if you only lose a few hours, studies have shown that it may take up to nine days to get caught up. As bad as that is if it only happens once, imagine how quickly it could add up when you regularly struggle to catch your z’s with sleep apnea!
Cash on Delivery: How to Prevent Sleep Debt
The obvious answer to never incurring sleep debt is to get a good night’s rest in the first place. Unfortunately, however, if you have sleep apnea, that’s easier said than done. The good news is that your sleep dentist can help you break this vicious cycle with oral appliance therapy. These comfortable devices are customized to fit your individual mouth and prop your airway open by manually repositioning your jaw. Best of all, because they don’t require you to wear an awkward mask and loud machinery, people find them more comfortable than CPAP therapy. In fact, over time, you could even get consistent slumber, so you can pay off your current sleep debt and stop accruing more!
Remember, although loans can be a helpful way to make it more affordable to buy a house or car, paying back sleep debt when you have sleep apnea can be an expense that’s too big for any budget. To learn more about how your dentist can help you get the rest you deserve with oral appliance therapy, schedule a consultation today!
About Dr. Yu
Dr. Annie Yu earned her dental degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and has been passionate about pursuing her dental education ever since. She is a regular at such prestigious institutions as the Dawson Academy, the Pankey Institute, and Spear Education, just to name a few. A Master in the Academy of General Dentistry since 2020, she has also undergone additional training from The Breathe Institute and Sleep Group Solutions. To schedule a consultation for sleep apnea, visit our website or call 240-743-4421.