Sleep apnea can be very troublesome for people who suffer from it. This is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. It can lead to insomnia, fatigue, and headaches. This can affect your day-to-day life and has been associated with depression, as many people affected by both conditions. Continue reading to learn more about the link between sleep apnea and depression as well as some of the symptoms.
What’s the Correlation Between Sleep Apnea and Depression?
There seems to be a correlation between sleep and mood, as well as lack of sleep and depression. Some people experience an onset of symptoms from both conditions at the same time, while others experience noticeable sleep deprivation before depression. Both conditions can increase the likelihood of developing the other. Research shows that insomnia is tied to depression, but insomnia related to sleep maintenance has a larger correlation to depression and anxiety. Another study has shown that about 46% of people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) had depressive symptoms.
How Do the Symptoms of Each Condition Compare?
Sometimes, symptoms of depression and sleep apnea can overlap, so it is understandably difficult for people to figure out exactly what’s going on with their body. This is especially the case because depression can be a symptom of sleep apnea. Here are some of the common symptoms of sleep apnea:
- Loud Snoring
- Breathing cessation while sleeping
- Waking up abruptly with shortness of breath
- Trouble paying attention
- Excessive tiredness
- Sore throat
- Dry mouth
- Irritability
These are some of the symptoms that are commonly linked to depression:
- Irritability and frustration
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Changes in appetite
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Headaches
- Fatigue
What Can You Do at Home to Help?
Here are some methods that many patients have found effective when it comes to sleep apnea:
- Exercise Regularly: This can help you to drop excess weight and ease sleep apnea.
- Avoid Back Sleeping: When you sleep on your back, your tongue might block your airway. Try sleeping on your side or stomach instead.
- Avoid Alcohol: Drinking can worsen both depression and sleep apnea,
- No Sleeping Pills: Sleeping pills do not aid with sleep apnea and can worsen depression.
To determine if you have sleep apnea, talk to your dentist or primary care physician. This way, it can be determined whether or not this sleep disorder could be contributing to your depression or vice versa. By seeking treatment, you can work towards a better night’s sleep and dealing with depression episodes.
About the Author
Dr. Thomas A. Gromling is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 40 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University and is committed to participating in continuing education courses, including L.D. Pankey Institute Continuum for Advanced Dentistry, the Misch Implant Institute restorative program, and the Dawson series of continuing education programs. He is a proud member of numerous professional dental organizations, including the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and the Virginia Academy of Sleep Medicine. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Stephens City, visit his website or call (540) 869-4377.