Depression is a Sign of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea and depression have a connection in many people. However many doctors, psychologists, or psychiatrists don't realize how significant it is. Sleep apnea causes symptoms of depression in many patients and it can't be treated effectively unless the patient undergoes a complete evaluation to determine what's causing the symptoms. If sleep apnea is determined to be at the root of the depression, needed therapy and support for the patient and family can begin to alleviate the symptoms. The National Commission on Sleep Disorders has determined that approximately 40 million people have a sleep disorder of some variety, and many of them go untreated, increasing the risk of serious complications including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
The symptoms of depression often include loss of energy, no interest in things that previously interested them, extreme fatigue, and irritability. However these symptoms also affect many sufferers of sleep apnea, so only a professional can determine what's causing the symptoms. Over 11 million people in the United States suffer from a form of sleep apnea, and in at least a quarter of them the disorder is either moderate or severe. A diagnosis of the disorder is determined based on the person's clinical health, what the patient and spouse report about symptoms, and a polysomonogram that can either be done at the patient's home or in a lab setting.
If the treatment is successful, the breathing difficulties cause by the sleep apnea and the snoring will stop. Many people who show signs of depression are often actually sleep apnea sufferers, but doctors traditionally treat these symptoms with anti depressants. When they don't work, more medication is prescribed. This is why an accurate diagnosis of the problem must be made.
When the patient is no longer reporting symptoms of depression and extreme fatigue, and when the disturbances caused by the respiratory system are back at more normal levels, the therapist can determine if the treatment has been successful and the patient is cured of sleep apnea and depression. In order for the patient to maintain a normal breathing pattern when they're sleeping, the doctor will usually recommend that a CPAP machine be used at night. This is the best method of maintaining normal breathing rhythm.
To determine if a patient suffering from depression is also dealing with sleep apnea, a general practitioner can refer them to a specialist who can evaluate the patient to determine what the problem is. A person who's had a sleep disorder for a long time and has chosen to get treatment may undergo some changes in their personality, and it's essential to have the support of their family during this time. Professional help is the only way to successfully treat the causes of sleep apnea and depression. However there are support groups for patients and their families that are helpful in dealing with the condition.
If you suffer from fatigue, feel irritable or sad most of the time, can't concentrate, and have no interest in things that you usually like doing, you may be suffering from sleep apnea and not depression. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. If you do have sleep apnea, the doctor will recommend that you use a CPAP machine which should help to alleviate the symptoms.