Sleep apnea and depression are two of the most common medical conditions in the U.S., both affecting about 20 million people every day. Current science now shows that there may be a strong connection between sleep apnea and depression, and that one can easily impact the other. Dr. Jeff Rodgers is going to shed a little more light on the connection between depression and sleep apnea.
Sleep Apnea and Depression
Sleep apnea occurs when a patient’s airway becomes partially or completely blocked during the night by the soft tissue in their mouth and throat. This obstruction can happen many times while someone is sleeping, and does not always wake the person up. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of motivation.
Multiple studies have shown that these two conditions often occur together. It is difficult to determine if one brings on the other, as sleep problems can bring on symptoms of depression, and depression can lead to sleep problems. What is clear, however, is the high correlation between the two.
A 2003 study in Europe conducted on over 18,000 people with diagnosed depression showed they were 5 times more likely to suffer from sleep apnea. In 2015, one of the largest sleep studies in the U.S. showed that the breathing difficulties often used to identify sleep apnea were also associated with depression symptoms.
While both of these studies show a high correlation between the two conditions, no research as of yet has determined an exact causal one. Medical professionals have known for years that a healthy sleep routine is essential for mental health, so the prevailing wisdom is that the chemical imbalance in the brain brought on by either condition could lead to the other. The other thought is that since these conditions are suffered by so many people, there’s a high likelihood for overlap. This, however, doesn’t explain why there are such high numbers of people with both. The takeaway is that someone with either condition should be aware they are at a higher risk for the other.
What You Can Do About It
If you are suffering from sleep apnea, you should get it treated immediately whether you have depression or not. Your sleep apnea dentist in Atlanta can provide you with a custom-made oral appliance. This is a mouthguard you would wear every night to bed that would prevent your airway from becoming blocked by gently shifting your jaw forward. Each oral appliance is made from flexible and durable material, and is comfortable enough that you will be able to speak and drink while you have it in.
You should consult a psychologist if you believe you are suffering from depression. They will be able to properly diagnose you, as well as prescribe any medication. You should let them know if you are having any sleeping difficulties as well, as this could be a contributing factor.
You Can Get Help
Both of these conditions can be very serious and life threatening, so the key is to get treatment as soon as you show symptoms of either. Treatment for one may significantly help the other, and Dr. Rodgers is very capable of treating your sleep apnea. It could be a major part of relieving your depression.
If you have any questions about sleep apnea, depression, or how you can get treatment for either today, please give us call.