Is sleep apnea linked to depression?
There’s a very strong link between the two. Many of my patients are taking antidepressant medications. People with sleep apnea often complain of fatigue, lack of energy and poor sleep, all of which are hallmarks of depression. However, sleep researchers don’t know if the depression is due to sleep deprivation, or if it’s a specific manifestation of the sleep apnea itself. When the apnea is effectively treated, the depression often gets better. Q: How often does sleep apnea adversely affect marriages? A: I think it’s very common that sleep apnea causes problems in a marriage. Any time I have new sleep apnea patients, I ask that they bring their partners with them. It’s important that both of them understand what the disorder is and how to treat it. It is a big adjustment to see your partner strap on a continuous positive airway pressure, or C.P.A.P., mask every night. Some bed partners are very accepting of the C.P.A.P. machine, but others, men especially, often find it hard to get used
