Because the various
forms of sleep apnea, including the potentially deadly obstructive sleep
apnea (OSA), prevent sufferers from getting the restful continuous sleep
needed to function properly during their waking hours, it has long been
suspected that sleep apnea contributes to depression.
A recent study from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strengthens that link. The study
focused on nearly 10,000 adults and indicated that the likelihood of depression
increased the more participants reported sleeping interruptions such as gasping
and stopping breathing.
Approximately 6 percent
of men and 3 percent of women in the study had been previously diagnosed with
OSA. Other participants were not diagnosed with sleep apnea, but reported sleep apnea symptoms
including snorting, gasping and daytime fatigue.
While previous studies
have established a connection between insomnia and depression, the CDC study is
the first to examine the bond between sleep apnea and depression. The CDC
findings were published in the April issue of the journal Sleep.
Depression is just one
of the potential complications of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea, particularly OSA,
can also increase your risk for hypertension, heart attack and stroke.
Fortunately, sleep
apnea is treatable. There are a number of comfortable, effective sleep apnea
treatments, including dental sleep
medicine options which employ custom oral appliances to maintain an open
airway.