Waking Up Tired? Find Out How Interrupted Sleep Affects the Body

It’s the morning of your big presentation, and you feel as if you slept a grand total of 30 minutes last night. The yawns keep coming, and you’re convinced there’s not enough coffee in the world that can get you through the day. Between the baby crying, dogs barking, and the battle between “Am I cold or hot,” it’s no wonder you’re exhausted. Interrupted sleep might not sound “harmful,” but it can negatively affect more than just your performance at work or school. Read on to learn just how impactful these constant disruptions can be to your overall health.

Waking Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed: You Become Irritable

If you have a child, you are probably aware of just how irritable they can be when woken up too early or are just too tired but can’t seem to settle down. The same can be said for adults, too. When you don’t get enough sleep, or your sleep is interrupted, you are more likely to take on the persona of Oscar the Grouch.

Your brain needs time to rest and store all the events and information of the day. When it is unable to do so, you will be more irritable, and you can even develop signs of depression and anxiety.

Where Did I Leave My Keys: You Are Forgetful

If your brain is already unable to store memories of the day while you’re asleep, it’s also going to be more difficult for it to learn and make new memories. Lack of sleep leads to forgetfulness, and this can negatively affect all areas of your life, especially work and school.

Wait, I Missed My Turn: You’re Unable to React Quickly

If you’re normally someone who is known for your “dad or mom-like reflexes,” meaning you can catch a rolling sippy cup or falling child with no problem, sleep deprivation will significantly hinder that ability. Your attention span and ability to think and act fast will slow down, making it a strong possibility that you will forget to break before running into the car in front of you in the drop-off line at school. 

Who Am I: Your Brain Declines

The most devastating aspect of interrupted sleep is the long-term effects it can have on your brain. Harmful proteins are removed while you sleep. These are called amyloid proteins, and they’ve been linked to neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s. When you’re unable to get the rest you need, these proteins begin to build up, leaving you with a higher chance of developing this devastating condition later in life.

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs, you should talk to your sleep dentist about undergoing a sleep study. This will help to determine if you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from apnea. If so, your dental professional can begin to work with you to find a treatment that will help you get the rest you need and ultimately, improve your overall health.

About the Author
Dr. Shelley Shults is a board-certified registered nurse, general dentist, family nurse practitioner, and dental sleep medicine practitioner. She graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing before going on to spend years working in a variety of nursing fields, including everything from neonatal to urgent care. In 2001, she graduated from The Ohio State University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She then received her MATRx certification in sleep apnea in 2013. Dr. Shults and her team are proud to offer patients a solution to their sleep problems and look forward to helping you achieve the rest you need. To learn more, contact us at (614) 396-9310.