Sleep apnea is a condition that reportedly affects between 2 and 4% of the population in the U.S. Physicians however, believe that this number may be abnormally low since the diagnosis of sleep apnea is often over looked by primary care doctors or people attempt to address the symptoms of loud snoring using over the counter remedies without addressing the underlying oxygenation problem.
In a study from Stanford University in California U.S. researchers found that people who suffer from depression are five times more likely to have a breathing related sleep disorder than those who don't suffer from a depressive condition. This is the first study to show a link between depression and sleep apnea.
The study did not attempt to explain how these disorders may be linked but it does suggest that when patients present to the physician with complaints of depression they should also be screened for sleep disorders that include obstructive sleep apnea.
Undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea will lead to hypertension, stroke and cognitive deterioration. It can affect school or work performance, social and professional life and affect the daily routine.
There have been several other studies that suggested that sleep apnea was associated with a higher rate of depression but none that had explored the association and the risk factors in the general population.
Interestingly the treatment for sleep apnea will also treat the depression. People with sleep apnea and depression find that with treatment for sleep apnea comes a quick response in their depression.
Treatment for the sleep disorder has a better success rate in treatment of the depression than does just addressing the depression with medication or behavioral therapy. This is because the depression is directly associated with the biological and physiological changes in the body when it is chronically deprived of oxygen through the night.
According to the National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research 40 million U.S. citizens are chronically ill with a variety of sleep disorders. Sleep apnea is the cause of daytime sleepiness in approximately 20 million people in the U.S. Psychologists and psychiatrists can play a very important role in the treatment of depression and sleep apnea. The sufferer of sleep apnea will often face social and emotional challenges in accepting the therapy. A significant number of people will fail to comply with the therapy because they may not have enough support and are unable to adjust to the treatment protocols.
As soon as the treatment for sleep apnea begins most patients and families notice a change in the personality and functionality of the person. Sometimes this improved personality and functionality isn't well accepted in a social environment that has accommodated to the previous dysfunction.
Sufferers of sleep apnea who are pursuing therapy may need the support of a counselor or therapist to help them continue to use the treatment protocols and help people in their environment learn to adjust to them.
Ouida Collins is a health researcher on Natural Health products. Visit her site now at http://www.xtend-life.com/healthconditions/Insomnia.aspx?id=999776
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