10. Mood Swings: The Emotional Rollercoaster
Mood swings aren’t just a hallmark of teen angst or hormonal fluctuations; they could signify Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Ever find yourself laughing one minute and irritable the next, for no apparent reason? You might want to look at your sleep quality—or lack thereof.
When sleep is fragmented due to apnea events, it affects your emotional regulation. It’s like riding an emotional roller coaster without a safety harness. One moment you’re up, the next you’re plummeting, and you don’t quite know why.
This isn’t mere ‘grumpiness from a bad night’s sleep. This is mood volatility that can put strain on personal and professional relationships. Imagine walking on a tightrope, but the rope keeps swaying unpredictably. That’s what navigating your day can feel like with these mood swings.
What’s remarkable is the breadth of the mood spectrum affected. You might experience heightened stress, irritability, or even bouts of sadness or depression. It’s like your emotional palette has been hijacked, and someone else is choosing the colors.(10)
