Sleep apnea causes people to stop breathing during sleep, leading to lack of restful sleep that’s vital for good health. While it’s known that sleep apnea is attributed to stroke, heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetes, recent research suggests it could also contribute to depression.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, there is a known link between sleep apnea and depression. However, it’s not clear whether the depression contributes to sleep problems or sleep problems cause depression. What some researchers have found is that the effective treatment of sleep apnea has a positive effect on depression.
A study by Cleveland Clinic researchers showed that sleep apnea treatment improves depressive symptoms. The study consisted of nearly 800 adults with sleep apnea who were evaluated before and after sleep apnea treatment. The study revealed that improvements were significant regardless of whether the individual was taking an anti-depressant. Additionally, researchers found that those who are married had the most benefit than people who are single or divorced.
As more is known along these lines, we’ll provide updates. In the meantime, if you have (or suspect) you have sleep apnea, please contact us to discuss treatment. True sleep apnea does not improve on its own.
