Can Sleep Apnea Cause Depression?

At least 18 million Americans live with sleep apnea. It causes several pauses in breathing frequently while sleeping, which is most often caused by an obstruction in the airway. Chronic snoring is one of the most noticeable symptoms, but that’s not the only complication that can occur. If sleep apnea isn’t treated, it can negatively affect your physical and mental health. New research has found a direct connection between the sleep disorder and depression. If you’re feeling less than your best, here’s how you can tell if sleep apnea is the cause.

What is Sleep Apnea?

There are multiple forms of sleep apnea; however, the most common culprit is a blockage in the airway. While sleeping the soft tissues in the back of your mouth or tongue can relax and create an obstruction. You can experience potentially hundreds of interruptions in breathing each night. With each event depleting your body’s oxygen levels, it can lead to several complications, including:

• Daytime fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• Surgical complications
• Memory loss
• Loss of concentration
• Sleep deprivation
• Mood changes

What’s the Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Depression?

According to a new study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 70% of sleep apnea patients have depression symptoms. As a result, there is a concern that either condition might be misdiagnosed or overlooked. The conditions share risk factors and symptoms that overlap, so patients may not realize they are having signs of both issues.

Sleep Apnea Symptoms VS Depression Symptoms

Since the symptoms of the two conditions can be similar, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Symptoms of sleep apnea often include:

• Loud snoring
• Breathing cessation
• Waking with shortness of breath
• Attention problems
• Excessive daytime fatigue
• Morning headaches
• Waking with a sore or dry throat
• Irritability
• Difficulty sleeping

Symptoms of depression vary, including:

• Irritability, frustration, or anger
• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating

How Can I Treat Sleep Apnea?

Thankfully, research shows sleep apnea therapy can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. A CPAP machine is the most traditional treatment, which is a machine that delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the mouth or nose. As an alternative to a CPAP, an oral appliance is an effective solution to reposition the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. It can significantly reduce sleep apnea symptoms by preventing pauses in breathing.

Feel Your Best Today

If you aren’t treating your sleep apnea, you can breathe easier and sleep soundly using an effective solution. You may also improve any symptoms of depression to help you feel rested and ready to start the day.

About Dr. David G. Banda

Dr. Banda earned his dental degree at the University of Michigan and completed advanced training in many specialties, like dental implants and sleep disorders. He provides personalized solutions to treat sleep apnea in Bloomfield Hills. If you have untreated sleep apnea, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

by: Dr. David Banda at April 17, 2021.