A recent study’s results on the relationship between sleep apnea and depression have shone a light on the link between the two complex diseases.
The study released from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) shows depression signs are highly common in people who have sleep apnea. These symptoms improve drastically when sleep apnea is treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
A staggering 73% of patients who have sleep apnea also have signs and symptoms of depression, including anxiety, and these symptoms got worse depending on how severe the sleep apnea was tested to be.
Treating depressive patients’ obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with CPAP has was shown to greatly improve the patients’ depression, as well as greatly reducing thoughts of self-harm.
“The findings highlight the potential for sleep apnea, a notoriously under-diagnosed condition, to be misdiagnosed as depression,” said senior author David R. Hillman, MD, clinical professor at the University of Western Australia.
According to Dr. Hillman, the study findings reinforce the importance of screening people with depressive symptoms for Sleep Apnea.
If you or a loved one may be suffering from symptoms such as anxiety or depression, Snore MD encourages you to follow up with your healthcare team and seek treatment. Sleep Screening for Sleep Apnea at Snore MD is free, and can help your doctor diagnose and treat your symptoms to achieve your best life possible!
If you or a loved one are having suicidal thoughts you can call the Crisis Line Association of British Columbia at 1-800-784-2433.
About the author:
Michael Davis is Snore MD’s Director of Optimal Patient Care. Driven by a passion for quality of everyday life, Michael became a Respiratory Therapist in 2009 with the goal of helping Canadians sleep better. With experience in critical care medicine, sleep medicine and pulmonary disorders, Michael leads a “Dream Team” to help thousands of Canadians sleep better.
