depression and sleep apnea is there a connection?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 1:06 pm

I thought that I was on the road to recovery when I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. I love my cpap machine and have been on it for about five months.I still find myself suffering with bouts of depression and anxiety.Is there a connection between depression and sleep apnea I am starting to think I am crazy.

Grabraham · Post by **Grabraham** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 2:07 pm

in my personal expereince I think there is. You might find this thread interesting: viewtopic.php?t=3584&highlight=depression

Fatigue Fighter · Post by **Fatigue Fighter** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 10:29 pm

According to an article on Sleep Apnea in eMedicine by Ralph Downey, III, Ph.D, depression and anxiety are common. See excerpt below. I have heard/read of depression being common in any chronic disease but especially in diseases affecting the respiratory system.

"Performance and neurocognitive deficits

Patients with OSA who are subjected to sleep deprivation have significant impairment of daytime functioning, intellectual capacity, memory, and motor coordination. These impairments usually resolve with successful treatment of SDB.

Performance on psychomotor vigilance tasks may be impaired, resulting in decreased capacity to maintain attention and concentration. These deficits usually return to baseline following successful treatment of SDB.

Mood impairment also may occur; depression and anxiety are common. These usually resolve with treatment of SDB"

FF

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 10:47 pm

You bet there's a connection. Five months may not be enough time to get over it. And you may noy totally at all, but I bet you are getting the feelings less. Let me know if I am wrong but I bet i'm right. Hang in there!

cat-a-tonic · Post by **cat-a-tonic** » Thu Sep 08, 2005 8:01 am

I sure am hoping that depression symptoms can be resolved with my CPAP treatment. I am just completing my first week of treatment, so it is too soon to tell! I seem to be waking up less each night, and those arousals are mostly mask leaks (I'm a side sleeper!). I am experiencing the bloating but am hoping that this goes away with treatment. I am still sleepy through the day, but I am extremely hopeful that I will be seeing an improvement there, as well.

Have a great day, and and even better night!

Mask