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Sleep plays a critical role in our brain function and mental health.

Poor sleep can lead to exhaustion, low energy, and poor lifestyle choices.

It can also be a contributing factor to the development of a mental health or substance use disorder.

woman yawning in bed

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Central sleep apnea can also be due to medications like morphine,oxycodone, orcodeine.

The condition also occurs in high-altitude tweaks.

Increasing your cerebral blood flow in this instance could help reduce the severity of central sleep apnea.

How Central Sleep Apnea Affects Sleep Quality

In central sleep apnea, there is noobstruction.

The body essentially feels choked during such episodes, and it wakes up to reopen the airway.

Undiagnosed sleep apnea can cause serious and potentially fatal consequences.

The Association Between Sleep Apnea and Mental Illness

Sleep apnea is closely tied to psychiatric pathology.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

A Word From Verywell

Sleep is the most essential restorative activity for the brain.

It helps store memories, process emotions, and try creative new ideas, says Dr. Dimitriu.

If youre not sleeping well or feeling tired throughout your day, youll want to consult with your doctor.

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