Q&A #6 Is Sleep Apnea Causing My Depression?

Yes, yes, it could be.

Having obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is bad enough. But it rarely occurs in isolation.

OSA can can cause a series of other health issues, including weight gain, headaches, memory problems, and even major depressive disorder.

This association can shed a lot of clarity upon a depression diagnosis, specifically for those who do not have a history of depression.

OSA is a serious medical condition--and so is major depressive disorder!

OSA causes extreme fatigue. Depression also causes fatigue, plus feelings of hopelessness and despair.

The combination of these can cause immense suffering for those experiencing them.

Sleeping Problems and Fatigue

The main indicators of obstructive sleep apnea are waking up throughout the night (due to the inability to breathe) and the extreme daytime fatigue that results.

Similarly, one indicator of major depressive disorder is sleeping issues. This can present itself as insomnia, trouble staying asleep, or over-sleeping. Extreme fatigue is also a common problem for those with depression.

Those with sleep-disordered breathing problems appear to have similar symptoms (staying asleep and excessive daytime sleepiness) as those with major depressive disorder. The insidious nature of these two illnesses makes this unsurprising.

What is surprising, however, is the great deal of other symptoms that these two serious conditions have in common.

Other Depression Symptoms

While they are among the most common, excessive fatigue and sleep-related problems are not the only symptoms related to major depressive disorder.

Depression can present itself in a multitude of different ways:

• hopelessness

• guilt

• feelings of despair or failure

• weight changes

• loss of interest in normal activities

• weepiness

• detachment

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a new study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that “symptoms of OSA are associated with probable major depression, regardless of factors like weight, age, sex or race.”

The lead author of the study, Anne G. Wheaton, PhD, commented on the surprising connection.

“Snorting, gasping or stopping breathing while asleep was associated with nearly all depression symptoms, including feeling hopeless and feeling like a failure. We expected persons with sleep-disordered breathing to report trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, or feeling tired and having little energy, but not the other symptoms.”

Wow.

Lack of adequate sleep can cause major health implications and affect all areas of a sufferer’s life. Depression also has a profound impact on the lives of those who suffer with this illness.

Finding Help

Feelings of hopelessness are common among those with major depressive disorder and sleep apnea.

There is help and hope for those suffering from these illnesses. For OSA, it usually takes the form of a CPAP machine to prevent breathing problems.

If you feel you maybe suffering from major depressive disorder as a result of your obstructive sleep apnea, speak to your primary care doctor or a sleep specialist. There is help available to you.

The National Suicide Prevention Hotline provides services 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. Alternatively, text HOME to 741741 to contact the crisis text line.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a life-threatening emergency as a result of any of these symptoms, dial 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency room.

OSA is a difficult condition. Depression only makes it worse.

If a CPAP machine alleviates the symptoms of depression along with OSA, it could truly be a lifesaver.

Don’t delay. Ask about help today.