Sleep apnea and depression are two big health problems. They often happen together. About 20% of people with sleep apnea also have depression. If sleep apnea is not treated, it can make you 2.5 times more likely to get depression. And depression can make sleep apnea worse, which makes it hard to get better.
The numbers are serious: The CDC says around 100 million Americans have sleep apnea. And the WHO says 300 million people worldwide have depression. We need to understand how these two conditions are connected. Then, we can find new ways to treat them and help people break free from this cycle of suffering.
Understanding Depression and Sleep Apnea
Both depression and sleep apnea are severe health problems that can relate to each other.
Depression: Physical Illness
Depression is like other mental health problems. It is an illness that makes people feel unhappy all the time. It makes them feel like they don’t have hope. It’s one of the most common illnesses worldwide and can make it difficult for people to do their daily activities effectively. Some of the symptoms include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
The things that can make someone feel depressed are the mixture of life experiences, environmental facts and psychological issues. Big events in life, such as the death of a loved one, new things, or chronic stress, can affect the development of depression.
Sleeping Disorders
Sleep apnea a disorder where you stop breathing when you’re asleep. Your brain wakes you up time and time again just to breathe, but then you don’t sleep well. The frightening part is that you can become very sick over time. But also it is very easy to manage the situation if you follow your doctor’s advice as directed. There are two types of sleep apnea.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Central sleep apnea (CSA).
Obstructive sleep apnea is the more common type of sleep apnea. It happens when unwanted muscles in the head and neck relax while you are asleep, thus pressing on your airway. This prevents air from going through the airway thereby making the breathing process more difficult.
The CSA is a less frequent type, and its main reason is the failure of signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles in charge of breathing when you are sleeping. A few of the symptoms involve:
- Loud snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Irritability or mood changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Frequent awakenings during the night
- Gasping or choking during sleep
The Link Between Depression and Sleep Apnea
Depression often comes with sleep issues. Many people with depression have problems sleeping well. A study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that 17% of those with depression were at risk of sleep apnea. Another study of over 100,000 people showed that those with sleep apnea were twice as likely to get depression.
Sleep apnea and depression are linked. Sleep apnea disrupts brain signals, causing chemical imbalances that contribute to depressive symptoms. The frequent awakenings and lack of restful sleep with sleep apnea can also affect mood-regulating chemicals. This can make people feel constantly tired, irritable, and have mobility and cognitive issues.
Living with a chronic condition like sleep apnea can also take an emotional toll, leading to feelings of depression. The daily struggles, social isolation, and decreased overall well-being can contribute to a downward spiral of depression.
It’s clear that these two conditions are closely connected. Addressing one may positively impact the other. Understanding the mechanisms and factors behind this relationship can lead to more effective treatments and better outcomes for those affected.
Treatment Options For Sleep Apnea & Depression
1. CPAP Therapy
A Constant Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine helps many people sleep better. It gives a steady flow of air through a mask. The air keeps airways open all night. This allows for peaceful rest without interruptions. Many people with sleep apnea report better moods after using CPAP therapy. Studies show it can reduce symptoms of depression too.
2. Oral Appliances
Custom-made mouth pieces can treat sleep apnea. These oral appliances gently move the lower jaw forward during sleep. This opens the airway to allow easy breathing. For those with mild to moderate sleep apnea, these dental devices work well. People often find them more comfortable than CPAP machines. Plus, they are convenient and simple to use.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Sometimes basic life adjustments provide the best solutions. Regular physical activity, eating nutritious foods, and managing stress levels can improve both sleep apnea and depression. Aim to sleep seven to eight hours nightly on a consistent schedule. This helps the body’s internal clock function normally.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
This special type of talk therapy teaches strategies to overcome insomnia. CBT-I helps people develop positive thoughts and behaviors around sleep. The techniques learned allow for better sleep routines and quality rest. Many experts recommend CBT-I as an effective long-term treatment.
5. Antidepressant Medications
For some individuals, prescription medications provide additional support. Antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used. These medicines regulate brain chemicals linked to mood. SSRIs can ease depression symptoms when taken consistently under a doctor’s supervision.
Act Now!
It’s essential to get enough good sleep and wake up refreshed. When you don’t sleep well, you feel tired and cranky.
Sleep apnea and depression can make things worse for each other. Sleep apnea leads to poor rest, leaving you exhausted and irritable. Meanwhile, depression can intensify apnea symptoms, creating an unhappy cycle. You may even start to doubt your ability to manage these issues.
But you deserve to sleep soundly without struggling with sleep apnea or depression. Our team aims to help you attain that restful state.
Our dental expert, Dr. Jamielynn Hanam-Jahr, is trained in the Vivos CARE method. This non-surgical, FDA-cleared approach treats mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. It gently repositions and expands the airway, unlike cumbersome CPAP machines. The Vivos system offers an innovative, cost-efficient solution for better breathing and sleep.
Here’s how we do it:
- Consultation
- We offer non-invasive and pain-free treatments, such as the Vivos method for Complete Airway Repositioning and Expansion (CARE).
- Gentle, Effective Treatment
So, schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step towards a restful night’s sleep and a brighter tomorrow.
Schedule your consultation and see if you qualify for a free home sleep test today!
Beverly Hills Aesthetic Dentistry
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435 N Bedford Dr #414, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 276-2088
www.mybeverlyhillsdentist.com
