Sleep Apnoea can boost symptoms of depression

Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 09:59 am

70% of sleep apnoea sufferers experience depression. Do you?

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests that more than 70% of those with sleep apnea, also experience symptoms of depression. The findings of the research have raised a caused for concern for many. Research suggests that sleep apnoea might be getting misdiagnosed, as depression.

How to know the difference between experiencing an “off day”, to experiencing depression.

Fundamentally, it is very common to have a bad or off day and feel slightly more morbid than usual. That is a normal part of being a human being and shouldn’t be a concern. However, what is a cause for concern is those who suffer from a glum cloud floating over them. This can cause constant feelings of sadness. Emotions and feelings of sadness can be very difficult to control, and cannot quickly be switched. It takes perseverance and management techniques to deal with depression effectively. Persistent feelings of hopelessness and anxiety suggest that you might be suffering from depression. These persistent feelings could also however mean that you might be suffering from OSA.

Depression can cause sleep problems, but sleeping disorders can also impact the severity of depression so the viscous cycle continues. A study by Stanford Researcher Maurice Ohayon found that people with depression were 5 times more likely to suffer from sleep disordered breathing. This most commonly being OSA.

Conducting a sleep study will confirm your diagnosis of OSA, as well as helping you understand the cause of your depression.

Sufferers of depressive symptoms should be screened for sleep apnoea, as a matter of high importance. You can confirm your diagnosis of OSA, confidentially with an at-home sleep study.

Alternatively, you can conduct a sleep study through the NHS. If you would prefer to go through the NHS, then the Sleep Apnoea Trust Association have a comprehensive list of sleep clinics throughout the UK. You can find a sleep clinic near you here.

To reduce your depressive symptoms, you should first confirm your diagnosis of OSA by taking a sleep study. If your sleep study confirms OSA, you can then obtain CPAP therapy. With CPAP treatment allowing you to get a better quality of sleep, you will be able to control the imbalances of the mind better.