OSA and Depression

Sheriff Buford · Post by **Sheriff Buford** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 5:49 am

I was off work the last 6 weeks for knee surgery. I was watching the health segment on the local ABC news. They stated that researchers have determined that sleep apnea can cause depression. Hence, the medical authorities recommended that patients be checked for sleep apnea when depression is diagnosed. Food for thought.

Sheriff

retrodave15 · Post by **retrodave15** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:06 am

I do believe that there is a link here. When I went to the doctor regarding some insomnia / depression symptoms, I was sent to a sleep lab and mental health professional, and not just given a bottle of anti-depressants and sleeping pills and told to call if I need refills. Yes I have depression, treatment of my sleep apnea has helped, so I think that there is truth to the saying that there is nothing better than a good nights sleep. I just need to get my restless leg syndrome under control.

@Sheriff Buford:
Hope your recovery is going well; I am 5 weeks post ankle reconstruction surgery and waiting for my next appointment to see if I am going to be cleared to return to work. Counting the days to May 1 to see if I am going to be released.

wildman 2 · Post by **wildman 2** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:44 am

I second what Retrodave had to say. I too fight depression. I have been on CPAP since December 1st. and it seems to be helping. My problem is also my RLS, which the doctor feels might be caused by my taking Cymbalta. At my next appt. we are going to see if I can slowly come off the Cymbalta.
So I will hang in there with you folks!
Know His Peace,
Wildman 2

VVV · Post by **VVV** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:59 am

Sheriff Buford wrote:I was off work the last 6 weeks for knee surgery. I was watching the health segment on the local ABC news. They stated that researchers have determined that sleep apnea can cause depression. Hence, the medical authorities recommended that patients be checked for sleep apnea when depression is diagnosed. Food for thought.

Sheriff

Beyond food for thought, I will say everyone who sees a doctor, mental health counselor or psychiatrist for emotional problems should have a sleep study.

IMO no other treatment should be started before a sleep study is done!

NightMonkey · Post by **NightMonkey** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 7:04 am

wildman 2 wrote:I second what Retrodave had to say. I too fight depression. I have been on CPAP since December 1st. and it seems to be helping. My problem is also my RLS, which the doctor feels might be caused by my taking Cymbalta. At my next appt. we are going to see if I can slowly come off the Cymbalta.
So I will hang in there with you folks!
Know His Peace,
Wildman 2

Much of what I have read says that untreated sleep apnea can be the dominant contributor to depression. If you think about sleep deprivation and low oxygen levels you can imagine it would quickly cause depression and many other problems.

Do you keep a check on your data to make sure events, leak, pressure are optimized and the therapy is very effective?

wildman 2 · Post by **wildman 2** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:05 am

Night Monkey,
Yes I keep track of my data. I use Sleepy Head, and thank the Lord for the person who developed it! I also agree that most if not all persons seeking help should be questioned about their sleep habits, and then refered for a sleep test if there is any indication that there may be a problem. If my Psychiatrist would have done this I probably would not be on the cocktail of drugs that I am now fighting to get off of. I also would have been on a CPAP machine 10 years ago. I just didn't understand the link between sleep apnia and depression.
Know His Peace,
Wildman 2

retrodave15 · Post by **retrodave15** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:08 am

@wildman
I also have RLS and am stuck in the problem of the antidepressant can make the RLS worse. I currently take Effxor, which can make RLS worse but I cannot tolerate cymbalta or celexa. When I came off Cymbalta, you must do it slowly or risk having withdrawal.

Right now I am having luck with Lyrics for my RLS, it is an off label use, but the current studies show promise

ameriken · Post by **ameriken** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:25 am

Prior to my diagnosis of sleep apnea with the VA, I repeatedly told my doctor of my fatigue, and his answer was low-t and/or depression and that I should take a depression med. I wasn't even depressed, I was just tired and fatigued. I refused the med and just stayed tired until I saw the VA docs who were open to getting sleep study.

At one point the doctor was even giving the Epworth questions (on paper) to all patients, and even though I know I scored big, he never said a word.

VVV · Post by **VVV** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 8:44 am

wildman 2 wrote:Night Monkey,
I just didn't understand the link between sleep apnia and depression.

Apparently most doctors don't understand it and are even unaware of it.

This doesn't answer your question but it is a good short (and sarcastic) article on sleep apnea and depression - http://doctorstevenpark.com/a-surprisin ... depression

I think there is a high likelihood that if your CPAP therapy is effective and you get enough sleep you will become both depression and drug free.

wildman 2 · Post by **wildman 2** » Tue Apr 17, 2012 9:35 am

Retrodave,
I was on Effexor for about 6 months, and the RLS got so bad my wife kicked me out of the bedroom. Thanks for the name of the other drug you are taking. I don't want to replace the Cymbalta with anything however. I will also take it slow getting off the Cymbalta.
VVV,
Thanks for your input. I hope you are right.
Peace,
Wildman 2

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