Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disorder causing breathing interruptions during sleep due to collapsed airways. Common symptoms include loud snoring, choking or gasping for air, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, poor memory, frequent nighttime awakenings, etc., all of which contribute to reduced quality of sleep, overall health, and quality of life.

However, OSA does not only affect sleep and physical health. Indeed, there’s also a strong relationship between sleep and mental health since poor sleep can exacerbate numerous chronic mental conditions. Plus, some mental disorders, like depression, can even be a direct result of chronic sleep deprivation. That said, since OSA affects sleep quality, it also affects mental health.

To learn more about the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and mental health, read below!

The Link between Sleep and Mental Health

Getting enough quality sleep allows the brain a period of restoration. Not being able to recharge causes changes in the brain chemistry, worsening of existing mental health conditions, and, over time, development of other mental health disorders.

Furthermore, people with mental health issues often struggle with sleep deprivation, which aggravates their symptoms and mental condition. And, some mental conditions are even developed as a result of sleep deprivation and poor sleep.

That said, mental health professionals should identify whether their patients experience sleep difficulties so they can improve their treatment of mental disorders by improving sleep.

Sleep Deprivation Effects on Mental Health

Stress

Stress can often affect sleep because the stressful thoughts we absorb during the day can resurface strongly when we go to sleep, thereby disturbing sleep architecture. Those who experience stress can face trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting enough deep sleep, which allows for a healthy restoration of both the mind and the body.

In addition, when stress resurfaces at bedtime, people can even feel muscle tension that keeps them awake, and if they already have sleep apnea, the symptoms of this sleep disorder can worsen. Eventually, lack of sleep leads to mental and physical health issues.

Brain Fog

Chronic lack of sleep can make people feel unfocused, distracted, and inattentive. Inconsistent sleep patterns can also lead to oxygen desaturation in the brain, causing cognitive problems and brain fog. So, if you’ve been having difficulties concentrating and/ or staying focused, you should seek medical help.

And, when it comes to obstructive sleep apnea and brain fog, it is important that you understand that by treating OSA, you can improve consistent sleep, thus achieving restoration and reducing brain fog.

Mood Changes

Lack of sleep can surely affect your mood. Namely, sleep loss can lead to extreme daytime fatigue, irritability, and frequent mood swings. Also, if you already suffer from a mood disorder, inconsistent sleep patterns can lead to worsening mental health issues. Hence, if you have undiagnosed OSA, it can exacerbate a pre-existing mood disorder.

Moreover, studies have found a strong connection between anxiety, depression, and mood swings with sleep deprivation caused by obstructive sleep apnea. That being said, treating sleep apnea and reducing symptoms can also improve mental health issues.

Behavior Changes

Last but not least, long-term sleep loss can affect behavior since irritability caused by a lack of healthy sleep can change behavior. Luckily, behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you manage behavior changes. Similarly, practicing mindfulness and stress reduction techniques can also help you in modifying behavior. And, of course, getting enough healthy sleep can improve behavior as well.