Depression has been on the rise within the United States, according to Mental Health America. Meanwhile, approximately 39 million U.S. adults have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). So, can we say there is a correlation between sleep apnea and depression?
What causes depression?
Harvard Medical School suggests that depression may stem from various factors, such as:
- Dysregulated mood control in the brain
- Genetic predisposition
- Stressful life circumstances
Sleep apnea could be seen as a significant stressor in life, yet unfortunately, the root causes of sleep apnea are more likely culprits for depression or a negative mood. Consider the following sequence of events:
- A stressful event occurs in your life, such as the loss of a loved one, an injury, or unemployment.
- Due to the stress, you experience weight gain, potentially due to imbalanced routines or financial constraints.
- Weight gain contributes to the development of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). Although it’s not the sole cause, it’s a prominent factor in many cases.
- OSA disrupts your sleep, leading to mood swings and impaired decision-making.
- These factors collectively contribute to the onset of a depressive episode.
So, while sleep apnea is unlikely to cause depression, the two often coexist. Likewise, addressing your sleep apnea may not directly affect depression, but it can help you feel better, which can help you manage stress.
At Advanced Homecare, we are experts in sleep apnea and can help you to diagnose and treat your sleep issues. Call us at 1-800-758-7571 for help.
If you, or a loved one, is suffering from depression, it’s very important to get professional help. To find a therapist in your area, click this link for a search feature: https://members.adaa.org/page/FATMain
