Getting a loan can be helpful when you’re buying a house or a car. Unfortunately, however, when it comes to getting some much-needed sleep, the cost of missing even an hour of rest can often be difficult to repay. Known as “sleep debt,” when you deny your body the rest it deserves, it is often challenging to make up for lost time later. Here’s a closer look at why not treating your sleep apnea now could end up costing a lot more in the future!
What is Sleep Debt?
The average adult needs about seven hours of sleep each night to feel properly rested and get through their day. For the most part, people who have a set bed and wake time and no sleep disorders can manage this well on their own. Unfortunately, however, for those who do not, or who suffer from sleep apnea, this can be a challenge. You see, if your body requires a certain amount of rest and doesn’t get it, you may begin running what is known as a sleep debt. So, for example, if you only get six hours of shuteye tonight but your body really needs eight, tomorrow you will have a deficit of two hours. Worse yet, if you don’t make up for that time, you could suffer from lethargy, cognitive impairment, and many other negative symptoms associated with sleep deprivation.
How Long Does It Take to Repay Sleep Debt?
Once your body starts running a tab for sleep debt, it can be hard to rebound. Sure, you might tell yourself, “If I go to bed an hour early tomorrow, or wake up late, I’ll catch up with no problem.” While these good intentions can certainly be helpful in theory, the problem is that they can be very difficult to follow through with. That’s because much like your auto loan or your credit card, sleep debt charges interest, too. In fact, studies have shown that it can take up to four days to recover from just an hour of sleep loss, and a total of nine days to completely eliminate sleep debt altogether!
How Can I Prevent Sleep Debt?
While getting proper rest is the best way to pay off your sleep debt, a healthier option is to avoid it entirely. If you are struggling to get a proper night’s shuteye due to sleep apnea, don’t let your deficit get out of control. Oral appliance therapy from your dentist can treat your symptoms safely and effectively. These comfortable, custom-made devices are an excellent way to help you fall and stay asleep without the need for CPAP therapy. They work by manually repositioning your jaw, so your airway remains open while you rest, allowing you to breathe naturally and eliminate the side effects of sleep apnea. With time, your body can eliminate your sleep debt and prevent it from continuing.
To start getting the healthy, complete rest you need, speak to your dentist today about the amazing benefits of oral appliance therapy and pay off your sleep debt once and for all!
About Dr. Schumacher
Dr. Rob Schumacher wants you to live life sleep-debt free! That’s why he’s proud to offer oral appliance therapy for sleep apnea that fits your smile and your lifestyle. To learn more about how we can help you get the rest you need to live a healthy, happy life, visit our website or call 781-334-3400