The CDC found that men who were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea were twice as likely to suffer from depression as men who did not have a sleep disorder. It was worse for women with sleep apnea – they were five times more likely to experience major depression compared to those who didn’t have the condition.

Both men and women who had not been diagnosed with sleep apnea but reported some symptoms of the disorder were also more likely to suffer from major depression. The study authors looked for a link between depression and simple snoring but didn’t find one.

The vast majority of adults who suffer from sleep apnea are undiagnosed. Huge numbers of people with depression are also undiagnosed. This survey showed that 80% of people surveyed reported snoring or stopping breathing during sleep (big red flags for sleep apnea)  had not been diagnosed with the sleep breathing disorder. Depression has been linked to sleep apnea in previous studies as well. Treating both disorders can save lives.

Many people avoid diagnosis of their sleep problems because they don’t want to use a CPAP machine. This is understandable, about half of patients given a CPAP find they cannot tolerate it. Using an oral appliance created by a trained sleep apnea dentist can keep the patient’s airway open throughout the night and most patients find that the oral appliance is easy and comfortable to use.

Find out more about oral appliances for sleep apnea by contacting your Columbus, OH sleep apnea dentist, Dr. Mark Levy, at 614-476-6696 today.