A Study Warns of Link Between Sleep Apnea and Depression in Men

(Newswire.net — October 11, 2022) Orlando, FL — Sleep apnea has long been studied due to its effects on the sleep quality and life of sufferers. It is also worth noting that this condition is linked with other health issues, such as ones affecting the brain.

A new community-based study of Australian men was carried out.

It found a link between severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and excessive daytime sleepiness and an increased risk of depression in men.

The findings of this exciting research were published at the American Thoracic Society International Conference. 

According to lead author Carol Lang, Ph.D., an association between sleep apnea and depression has been noted in some earlier studies.

Lang is from the University of Adelaide, Australia. 

“Our study, in a large community-based sample of men, confirms a strong relationship even after adjustment for a number of other potential risk factors,” she added.

This research involved 1875 men aged between the ages of 35 and 83. The subjects in this study were assessed for depression at two-time points over a 5-year period. There was also a random sample of 857 men without previously diagnosed OSA who underwent at-home polysomnography.

They were also made to complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaire.

Following the adjustment for potential confounders, previously undiagnosed severe OSA was linked with an increased prevalence of depression. The same was true with excessive daytime sleepiness. 

The findings have further shown that men who had both previously undiagnosed OSA and excessive daytime sleepiness had odds of having depression 4 to 5 times greater depression than men without either condition.

“Excessive daytime sleepiness and severe OSA were both associated with the prevalence and recent onset of depression in our community-based sample of men, and the presence of both was associated with an even greater risk,” said Dr. Lang. 

“Men presenting with depression should be screened for OSA so that an appropriate course of treatment can be planned.”

Scientists have been stressing the relevance of taking some measures to help people lead healthier lives, and this includes getting adequate sleep and maintaining mental health.

There are simple techniques to achieving these, such as making dietary and lifestyle improvements. It may also be helpful to take into account brain health remedies like Divine Bounty Curcumin.

In various research studies carried out in past, it has been shown that curcumin has strong cognitive and mental health benefits. Some studies also demonstrate its ability to enhance overall sleep performance (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150507093154.htm).