Study Shows Sleep Apnea Can Lead To Depression

Do you find yourself waking up feeling unrefreshed after a night’s sleep? You may have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – a common sleep disorder which causes pauses in your breathing while you sleep. Studies show that those with OSA have a higher risk of developing depression.

Patients with OSA have impaired health as well as decreased psychosocial health and daily performance. One study explained that this is because disturbed sleep can cause poor concentration, mood problems, anxiety and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

A large underpinning factor is excessive daytime tiredness. Fatigue and insomnia can be secondary consequences of sleep apnea, and both can contribute to depression. It is important to seek treatment for your sleep apnea early to prevent these factors from negatively affecting your health.