Pacific Sleep Medicine Services for Sleep Disorders and Clinical Research Trials

Sleep Apnea Linked to Depression

Untreated Sleep Apnea Can Increase Risk of Depression

Individuals who have sleep-related breathing disorder appear significantly more likely to develop depression, with odds of depression increasing as breathing disorders becomes more severe, according to a study in the September 18 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, a theme issue on sleep.

Paul E. Peppard, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin—Madison found that about twice as many men as women had mild, moderate or worse sleep-related breathing disorder—14% of sleep studies among men revealed moderate sleep-related breathing disorder, vs. 6% of women. Women were about twice as likely to be depressed as men (27% vs. 15 %).

Frequent pauses in breathing, labored breathing or reduced breathing during the night are hallmark signs of sleep-related breathing disorder, according to background information in the article. The disorder has been linked to a variety of negative health consequences, including cardiovascular disease and difficulty functioning during the day.

Dr. Peppard adds, “Previous studies have suggested that depression improves when sleep-related breathing disorder is treated, indicating that these two common conditions are related. An increase in sleep-related breathing disorder was associated with a 1.8-fold increase for development of depression compared with unchanging sleep-related breathing disorder.

In a recent survey by the National Sleep Foundation, 75% of adults reported having problems sleeping at least a few nights a week. And the vast majority of those surveyed agreed that sleep loss can have a major impact on their lives:

93% agreed that sleep loss can impair work performance

92% felt that sleep loss can increase one’s risk of injuries

90% agreed that not getting enough sleep makes it difficult to get along with others

86% believed that sleep deficits can lead to health problems

According to Dr. Peppard, “The literature over the past several years has shown that there is a clear association between sleep-related breathing disorders and depression, suggesting a causal link between these conditions, which should heighten clinical suspicion of depression in those with sleep-related breathing disorder.”

NSF Background

NSF released the poll findings as part of its 10th annual National Sleep Awareness Week® campaign, held March 5-11th. For more sleep tips for women, as well as the Summary of Findings for the 2007 Sleep in America poll, visit NSF’s Web site at www.sleepfoundation.org

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving public health and safety by achieving greater understanding of sleep and sleep disorders. NSF furthers its mission through sleep-related education, research, and advocacy initiatives. NSF’s membership includes researchers and clinicians focused on sleep medicine as well as other professionals in the health/medical/science fields, individuals, and more than 900 sleep clinics throughout North America that join the Foundation’s Community Sleep Awareness Partners program.

NSF’s financial support comes from a variety of diverse sources, including memberships, sales of educational materials, advertising, investment income, individual donations, subscriptions, and educational grants from foundations, federal agencies, and corporations including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical companies. Corporate grants are accepted on an unrestricted basis only. NSF alone determines the ideas and content published or promoted in its educational programs. NSF relies on positions of government agencies, the published consensus of sleep and medical professionals and peer-reviewed, publicized evidence for its public health recommendations. A list of 2007 contributors can be found on NSF’s Web site.

NSF does not solicit nor accept funding for its annual Sleep in America polls; NSF polls are developed by an independent task force of sleep scientists who provide guidance and expertise in developing the poll questionnaire and analysis of the data. NSF can be found online at www.sleepfoundation.org

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