Can Sleep Apnea Cause Depression?

If you’re struggling to wake up feeling well-rested because of sleep apnea, it’s normal to feel a bit down throughout the day. Lack of sleep can take a serious toll on your quality of life and mental health. Believe it or not, your low energy and loss of interest in things may not be because you’re too tired. Instead, the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine reports as much as 73% of people with sleep apnea also deal with symptoms of depression. Unfortunately, the close connection between the two makes them easy to misdiagnose.

Link Between Sleep Apnea and Depression

Over 22 million people have sleep apnea, which is a breathing disorder that results from an obstruction in the upper airway. The soft tissues in the back of the mouth collapse, creating an obstruction that leads to numerous pauses in breathing frequently throughout the night. The regular interruptions can make it almost impossible to get a good night’s rest. Not to mention, without the right treatment, you’ll have a heightened risk of several issues, like cardiovascular disease and auto accidents, but the complications don’t end there.

Data gathered from the Patient Health Questionnaire found 213 out of 293 participants with sleep apnea reported having at least baseline symptoms of depression. The study concluded the higher the severity of sleep apnea, the greater the likeliness of depressive symptoms.

Treating Sleep Apnea and Depression

To further prove the link between the two conditions, researchers performed another study involving the success of sleep apnea treatment compliance and improving depression. Participants in the study were given a CPAP machine, which delivers a steady stream of air through a mask worn over the nose to keep the airways open. They were instructed to wear it for at least 5 hours each night for 3 months.

Researchers then resurveyed the 228 study participants and found those who committed to using their CPAP had a significant decrease in depression symptoms. After completely stopping sleep apnea therapy, only 9% of the participants reported significant issues with depression.

With the two conditions connected, there’s a strong need to make sleep apnea screenings a routine part of care to ensure it isn’t misdiagnosed as depression.

Breathe Easier and Feel Your Best

You can kick the blues and wake up feeling energized with sleep apnea therapy. As an alternative to a CPAP, ask your dentist about the benefits of an oral appliance. The custom-fit device moves the lower jaw forward to keep the airway open. It’s comfortable and convenient, so you won’t need to worry about a bulky machine. You’ll sleep soundly to boost your mental health and overall wellness.

About Dr. Stephen Dean

Dr. Dean is the area’s sleep apnea expert. After earning his dental degree, he continued his training at many prestigious institutions, including Dawson Academy and Pankey Institute. He has focused his career on providing effective solutions for sleep apnea. As a member of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine, he has the experience and qualifications you can trust. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for sleep apnea therapy.