Sleep Apnea and Depression

· Studies have shown that there is an association between sleep apnea and depression. For example, one study showed that people with depression symptoms improved significantly when treated with a CPAP machine.

· It is not clear however, whether sleep apnea is the cause or the effect. It can happen both ways. Sleep apnea can lead to a lack of sleep, which may become fatigue and irritability. These symptoms may eventually lead to depression.

· Insomnia is one of the symptoms of depression. In time, insomnia can produce a type of sleep apnea.

· Those who suffer from depression are five times more likely to experience sleep apnea. This is known as sleep apnea depression.