Buy now, pay later offers often seem like a good deal at first, but when you add interest and other fees, they can end up costing you a lot more in the long run. The same can be said for sleep debt. Except when you struggle to fall or stay asleep each night due to sleep apnea, your body becomes your banker, and you could end up paying dividends trying to make up for lost rest over time. Here’s why it’s so important to get the sleep you need by treating this condition sooner rather than later.
What Exactly is “Sleep Debt”?
Studies have shown that on average, adults need about seven hours of sleep each night to feel properly rested and power them through the day. For most people, this is not a problem. However, for those with sleep disorders like sleep apnea, getting a full seven hours of uninterrupted rest can be extremely difficult. So, for example, if you require the full seven hours of sleep to function properly but you only get six hours, you’ll have what is known as a sleep deficit or debt of one hour.
How Long Will It Take to “Repay” My Sleep Debt?
Unfortunately, once you open the dreaded sleep debt line of credit, it can be extremely difficult to repay it. You may find yourself rationalizing it by saying you’ll head to bed an hour early tomorrow or sleep late this weekend to make up for it. Unfortunately, though, while your intentions may be good, this debt may charge interest, and in some cases, it can take several days to recover from just one single hour of lost sleep, and up to nine days to eliminate your deficit completely!
Is it Possible to Prevent Sleep Debt?
Although it is possible to pay back a sleep debt, the best way to avoid having to do this is to never start one in the first place. If you struggle to get a complete night’s rest, speak to your sleep dentist about oral appliance therapy. These devices are a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to position your airway open naturally so you can get the sleep you deserve without frequent waking, and without relying on awkward options like CPAP therapy. Over time, these devices can even help eliminate your current deficit and prevent a new one from accruing.
Remember, sleep debt won’t improve your credit score or your life. So, stop allowing poor rest to lock you in an endless cycle of tiredness. Speak to your dentist today about treating your sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy and end the deficit once and for all!
About Our Practice
At Healthy Sleep Tulsa, our trio of talented and caring sleep dentists want to help you get the rest you deserve and put an end to out of control sleep debts that keep you locked in a cycle of lethargy. If you’re ready to finally get a proper rest without the need for CPAP, schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your treatment options. To book your sleep apnea evaluation, visit our website or call 918-300-4325.