Depression or depressive symptoms affect a large number of people. Between the ages of 18 and 75, major depressive episodes remain common. On the other hand, Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) affects between 4 to 9% of the adult population in France.
It manifests as repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, caused by airway obstruction that leads to pauses in breathing lasting at least 10 seconds, occurring multiple times throughout the night.
Sleep apnea, fatigue, and depression: what’s the connection? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this article because there is now no doubt that sleep apnea is responsible for many ailments that can seriously impact health.
What Are the Common Links Between Fatigue, Depression, and Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) disrupts and fragments sleep, making it neither restful nor restorative.
Sleep apnea causes fatigue, loud snoring (sometimes very intense) which is why Back2Sleep offers an anti-snoring device worth your attention. It can also lead to daytime drowsiness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and depressive states. As discussed, poor-quality sleep can be the root of all these issues and sometimes the health consequences can be even more severe.
To summarize: untreated sleep apnea causes fragmented sleep, which leads to a lack of energy, which in turn can trigger anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Similarly, untreated depression worsens sleep issues, fatigue, concentration problems, memory loss, and can hinder effective sleep apnea treatment. Neglecting either condition can lead to other illnesses that raise cardiovascular risks, all of which can severely affect your quality of life.
Let’s also not forget the importance of assessing daytime sleepiness to evaluate the risk of dozing off during daily activities and to get a clearer picture of sleep apnea’s daytime impact.
Depression and Sleep Apnea Are Closely Linked
As we’ve seen, depression and sleep disorders are closely connected, each intensifying the other. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression, and depression can worsen sleep.
Who’s the main culprit, insomnia or depression? Since they feed into one another, it’s hard to say!
Can Too Much Sleep Also Be a Sign of Depression?
Hypersomnia, or simply sleeping too much, can also be a symptom of depression. A depressed person may sleep far more than the usual sleep cycle and may frequently nap during the day.
This depends on brain chemistry, the balance of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and energy.
Hypersomnia can become a way to escape difficult emotions or responsibilities.
This differs from sleep apnea, where fatigue results from repeated sleep interruptions. We often see that sleep apnea’s psychological causes may also be linked to a depressive state.
To sum it up: both depression and sleep apnea cause daytime fatigue, while hypersomnia is often associated with sadness, lack of motivation, and withdrawal, hallmarks of a depressive condition.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Depression and Sleep Apnea?
In most cases, the common symptoms fall into two categories: psychological or physical.
Psychological symptoms:
- Apathy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frustration
- Memory problems
- Uncontrollable fears
- Pessimism
- Melancholy
Physical symptoms:
- Sleep disturbances
- Daytime fatigue
- Chest pain
- Night sweats
- Exhaustion and low energy
- Circulatory problems
- Dry mouth at night
- Dizziness
- Morning headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Loss of libido and impotence
It’s always best to consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms to determine whether sleep apnea may be a factor.
Conclusion
A person who feels constantly tired or has dark thoughts may be suffering from depression or possibly sleep apnea. Many specialists treating depression recommend screening for sleep apnea. In some cases, treating obstructive sleep apnea results in significant improvement in severe depression, not to mention the many other conditions often linked to sleep apnea, such as diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks.
To combat sleep apnea, certain devices can help improve airflow through the airways during sleep and reduce snoring. One such device is the intranasal orthosis offered by Back2Sleep. Feel free to try this solution, it may offer relief, but it should never replace a visit to an ENT specialist who can identify other potential causes of sleep apnea.
Think about it!
FAQs
What is the psychological meaning behind sleep apnea?
Irritability and significant mood swings are indicators of sleep apnea. You may also notice mood disorders or sudden emotional changes in someone with sleep apnea.
Does sleep apnea lead to depression?
Untreated sleep apnea causes fragmented sleep and a lack of energy, which can result in symptoms of depression or anxiety. These symptoms often improve with sleep apnea treatment.
Why does depression cause fatigue?
Depressive fatigue is often tied to cognitive symptoms. It’s a vicious cycle: depression leads to cognitive impairments that require energy to manage, resulting in chronic fatigue.
What are the consequences of sleep apnea?
High blood pressure, coronary disease with heart attack risk, strokes, and heart failure.
