Being healthy requires adequate sleep periods. Many people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) struggle with restful sleep at night.
PTSD attacks both the mind and body. It disrupts natural sleep patterns through nightmares and sleep disorders. This leads to ongoing sleeplessness.
But can PTSD cause sleep apnea? Let’s look into the relationship between PTSD and sleep apnea and find out what can be done.
At Timely Psychiatry and Family Health, we provide PTSD treatment that is both compassionate and effective which is specially designed to help you on your way. We use CBT and EMDR therapies. We also offer medication management when needed. Contact us to learn more.
Understanding PTSD
PTSD is a mental health condition that happens after a person goes through a traumatic event, such as:
- War
- Domestic abuse
- Serious accident
Survivors of PTSD often face challenges with panic, apprehension, and vivid memories.
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition. It blocks breathing during the night for several seconds. It happens repeatedly. The two main types are:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) happens when breathing airways become impaired.
- Central sleep apnea (CSA) leads to sleep apnea as it develops from brain signal disorders.
Can PTSD Cause Sleep Apnea?
According to research, the connection between PTSD and sleep apnea is clear. Sleep apnea occurs when one stops breathing repeatedly and resumes breathing during sleep. It appears as a result of airway obstructions or faulty brain signals.
The latest report disclosed that among the veterans living with PTSD, close to 60% also presented with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The data provide major evidence of a link between the two conditions.
The causes of the above relationship are:
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Chronic Stress
PTSD puts the body constantly in a state of alarm, making it difficult for the airway muscles to relax correctly during sleep.
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Increased Weight Gain
Gaining weight is a common problem for people with PTSD, and stress eating is a major contributor. As a result, they are more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea.
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Hyperarousal
PTSD keeps the nervous system in an activated state, thus disturbing regular sleep patterns and causing breathing problems.
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Sleep Fragmentation
Frequent interventions and waking events that may occur during the night can lead to uncovered breathing patterns, which in turn may provoke PTSD to sleep apnea as a secondary condition.
Symptoms of Sleep Apnea in Individuals with PTSD
Individuals having both PTSD and sleep apnea might find themselves suffering numerous symptoms like:
- Noisy calls for help and breathing difficulties like choking or gasping for air due to sleep
- Night weariness and being abnormally tired
- Notably, the lack of the possibility to memorize and focus
- Feeling aggressive, unhappy, worried, or fearful for no reason
- Feeling as if you have a headache and a dry mouth when you wake up
- You wake up in the middle of the night, and you cannot get back to sleep
In case you have these symptoms, you can visit a PTSD therapist or a PTSD treatment center. The mentioned treatments will work to cure both.
PTSD and Panic Attacks: The Role of Anxiety in Sleep Apnea
PTSD and sleep apnea, which are related, are often associated with panic attacks and anxiety disorders.
Nighttime panic attacks can even further lead to deteriorating sleep quality, which, in turn, causes other breathing problems or disorders. The fact that addressing anxiety-related symptoms is a key point in the scenario of PTSD-related sleep apnea becomes clear.
Chronic stress and hyperarousal produced by PTSD can lead to disturbance of standard breathing patterns during night sleep.
The hormone cortisol, which is in high levels, can cause troubles with the airways, thereby causing more severe sleep apnea symptoms.
Healing strategies have to be directed towards the reduction of anxiety, together with the improvement of sleep hygiene and the integration of treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness.
VA Rating for PTSD and Sleep Apnea
Veterans who are affected by sleep apnea as secondary to PTSD may be eligible for compensation for acquiring a disability. The VA rating for PTSD and insomnia varies depending on the degree of the condition. For those disabling treatment for PTSD, Veterans can get a compensation amount to cover medical costs and treatments.
Treatment Options for PTSD-Related Sleep Apnea
Treat PTSD and sleep apnea with a team approach. Options include:
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Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy
The CPAP machine delivers soft pressure to patients through the nasal and oral openings. The therapy is well known for its use in sleep apnea treatment. The therapy provides effective support to people who have sleep apnea.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
The research-supported organized approach is referred to as CBT-I. The therapy requires patients to convert harmful mental patterns and behaviors that interrupt restful sleep.
Sleep problems among patients with PTSD experience significant improvement because of this therapy approach.
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PTSD Therapy and Counseling
Seeking help from PTSD therapists can reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Therapy methods include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Exposure Therapy
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Lifestyle Modifications
The way of life can be one of the solutions to reduce PTSD and sleep apnea.
- By eating a balanced diet and doing regular exercises, the weight will be controlled.
- Giving up on drinking alcohol and taking sedatives can result in muscular relaxation and can worsen apnea symptoms.
- A person can calm their mind through deep breathing techniques and meditation while performing gradual muscle relaxation steps.
- To develop good sleep habits, people should get into bed at a consistent daily hour and rise at the same time each day.
- Medication Management
Some medicines, like prazosin, for coping with depression, take the nightmares by affecting the airway and can also improve the quality of sleep.
Unfortunately, some psychiatric drugs that affect muscle tone in the airway can bring on symptoms of sleep apnea. The most important thing is to cooperate with complex PTSD therapists to identify the proper proportions.
Some studies suggest that ketamine treatment for PTSD can help reduce symptoms and improve sleep patterns.
When to See a Doctor
You should visit PTSD therapists if you think you have PTSD and sleep apnea. Many PTSD treatment centers offer specialized care for trauma survivors.
The doctor will do a trauma test to figure out the PTSD symptoms and carry out a sleep study to see if you have sleep apnea.
Conclusion
So, can PTSD cause sleep apnea? Yes, research suggests a strong connection between PTSD and sleep apnea. The fact is that most individuals with the disorder encounter sleep disturbances that intensify the probability of having sleep apnea.
Combating both issues through their appropriate treatments and therapy, along with lifestyle changes, leads to improved sleep and overall well-being.
If you or a person close to you has poor sleep due to PTSD, treatment and medical assistance are the way to make this situation better.
FAQs
Q: Can PTSD from domestic abuse affect long-term mental health?
PTSD caused by domestic violence can ruin a person’s life as it can go on not only anxiety but also depression, trust issues, and emotional pain. However, professionals of trauma support are alight in the tunnel. They can help you heal and find peace.
Q: Can PTSD cause panic attacks?
PTSD can lead to panic attacks. It happens due to increased stress, unwelcome thoughts, or vivid recollections. These are all typical of the disorder. Individuals with PTSD tend to have sudden fright, racing heart, sweating, and difficulty in breathing.