Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide but often goes undiagnosed.

While it’s widely known for its physical health consequences, like cardiovascular problems and diabetes, its impact on mental health is often underestimated or overlooked.

So, to shed some light on it, this article will explore the critical connection between untreated sleep apnea and mental health. In it, we will look at how this disorder can adversely affect your mental well-being and offer insights into how to address these issues.

1. Cognitive Impairment and Memory Problems

One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of untreated sleep apnea on mental health is cognitive impairment.

People with sleep apnea often experience excessive daytime sleepiness, leading to difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and reduced cognitive functioning. It can manifest in various ways, from forgetfulness in everyday tasks to poor work performance.

The primary reason for this cognitive impairment is recurrent sleep interruption caused by sleep apnea. People suffering from this condition experience episodes where they stop breathing for short periods during their sleep. These episodes trigger the brain to awaken partially, even if they are not consciously aware of it.

As a result, they spend less time in the deeper, restorative stages of sleep, particularly rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive functioning.

2. Mood Disorders: Depression and Anxiety

Untreated sleep apnea significantly impacts mood regulation, often leading to an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The sleep disruptions caused by apnea can affect the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain – resulting in altered mood states.

Depression is a common issue associated with sleep apnea, which can take a toll on your mental health. People with sleep apnea may experience persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness and a reduced interest in activities they once enjoyed. Conversely, anxiety can manifest as excessive worrying, restlessness and even panic attacks.

Both conditions can further contribute to a vicious cycle, as they may exacerbate sleep apnea symptoms and make it even more challenging to manage.

3. Irritability and Emotional Instability

Persistent inadequate sleep can lead to irritability and emotional instability for those suffering from sleep apnea.

When individuals are sleep-deprived, their ability to regulate emotions becomes compromised. They may become more easily frustrated, short-tempered, and prone to mood swings. These traits can strain relationships and make daily life more challenging.

This emotional instability is related to how sleep apnea affects the brain. Sleep disturbances can lead to increased stress hormones, such as cortisol – which, when elevated, are associated with irritability and emotional reactivity. Additionally, the lack of restorative sleep impairs the brain’s ability to process and cope with stress, contributing to emotional instability.

4. Decreased Quality of Life

Untreated sleep apnea can also harm an individual’s mental health, leading to a marked decrease in their overall quality of life.

Chronic fatigue and emotional distress can cause individuals to withdraw from social activities and lose motivation to pursue hobbies, significantly reducing their overall life satisfaction.

People with untreated sleep apnea often struggle to enjoy life to the fullest, which can severely affect their mental well-being. Additionally, the emotional and cognitive consequences of sleep apnea can hinder career progress and damage personal relationships – creating a vicious cycle where these challenges exacerbate the emotional burden of untreated sleep apnea.

5. Impaired Decision-Making and Judgement

The less sleep you get, the more it adversely affects your decision-making and judgement.

Individuals with this condition often struggle to make sound and rational decisions due to cognitive impairments caused by sleep disturbances. It can have serious consequences in various aspects of life, from personal finances to professional responsibilities.

Moreover, impaired judgement can lead to risky behaviours. For instance, individuals with sleep apnea may be more likely to engage in reckless activities, such as driving while drowsy, which endangers their lives and the lives of others on the road.

6. Relationship Strain

As alluded to earlier, if sleep apnea is untreated, it can significantly strain the sufferer’s personal relationships.

The emotional and mood disturbances associated with the condition can lead to frequent conflicts and misunderstandings with loved ones. Partners may also become frustrated with the constant snoring, awakenings, or other symptoms that disturb their sleep.

Over time, these relationship issues can have a compounding effect on mental health. Feelings of isolation and distress can exacerbate mood disorders, creating a challenging environment for all parties involved. In addition, the strain on a relationship can contribute to feelings of guilt and insecurity in the person with sleep apnea, further worsening their mental well-being.

7. Decreased Libido and Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual health is closely tied to mental well-being, and untreated sleep apnea can disrupt both.

The fatigue, cognitive impairments, and mood disturbances associated with sleep apnea can lead to a decreased interest in sexual activities and overall sexual dysfunction.

Men with sleep apnea may experience erectile dysfunction, while women may have reduced sexual desire and arousal. These issues can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and strain on intimate relationships.

8. Weight Gain and Metabolic Consequences

On top of everything else, untreated sleep apnea can also disrupt the regulation of hunger hormones, leading to increased appetite – especially for high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich foods. Subsequently, this can lead to weight gain and metabolic consequences, which may further contribute to feelings of self-esteem issues and depression.

Moreover, sleep apnea is closely associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The chronic stress and hormonal imbalances resulting from these metabolic issues can negatively affect mental well-being.

9. Increased Risk of Substance Abuse

There is a concerning link between untreated sleep apnea and substance abuse.

Some individuals turn to alcohol or sedative medications as a coping mechanism to self-medicate sleep apnea symptoms. While these substances may offer temporary relief, they can lead to addiction, which has severe consequences for mental health.

Substance abuse can exacerbate mood disorders, impair judgement, and damage relationships. Over time, individuals may find themselves trapped in a cycle of relying on substances to cope with their sleep apnea symptoms and deteriorating mental health.

10. Reduced Resilience to Stress

Stress is a common and often unavoidable aspect of life, and our ability to manage it is crucial for our mental well-being. However, the chronic sleep deprivation associated with sleep apnea can significantly reduce an individual’s resilience to stress.

When you have untreated sleep apnea, your body is already under stress due to the constant interruptions in sleep. Consequently, even minor stressors, such as work-related pressure or family issues, can feel overwhelming.

Continuing levels of reduced stress resilience can trigger various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.

Ways to Treat Sleep Apnea

The impact of untreated sleep apnea on mental health is clear and significant. However, the good news is that this condition is manageable and treatable.

Here are some steps you can take to address the mental health consequences of sleep apnea:

1. Diagnosis and Treatment

The first step in addressing the impact of sleep apnea on mental health is to seek a diagnosis.

If you believe you are suffering from sleep apnea or have any of the associated symptoms, it is vital to consult a healthcare specialist or professional. Diagnosis usually involves a sleep study, which you can do in a sleep centre or home with portable monitoring devices.

Once diagnosed, numerous treatment options are available for sleep apnea, depending on the severity of the symptoms. These treatments can significantly improve sleep quality and alleviate its effects on mental health.

2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Therapy

The most successful and recommended sleep apnea treatment is CPAP therapy.

An acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, this form of therapy results in the individual sleeping with a mask connected to a machine that delivers a constant flow of air pressure which keeps the airway open during sleep.

Wearing one prevents the airway from collapsing, which causes apnea and hypopnea. Masks are available from several companies, including the Australian supplier CPAP Direct.

Many people with sleep apnea report significant improvements in their sleep quality and, subsequently, their mental health once they start using a CPAP machine.

3. Lifestyle Changes

In addition to CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes can help manage sleep apnea. These may include:

Weight loss: Losing excess weight can reduce the severity of sleep apnea, especially in cases where obesity is a contributing factor.

Dietary modifications: Avoiding heavy meals, alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime can improve sleep quality.

Regular exercise: Physical activity can help improve sleep patterns and reduce sleep apnea symptoms.

Sleep hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and optimising your sleep environment can enhance sleep quality.

4. Positional Therapy

Sleep apnea is primarily position-dependent for some individuals, meaning it’s more severe when they sleep in particular positions.

Positional therapy utilises methods and devices that help individuals stay in positions that minimise airway obstruction. Some examples include positional pillows and special vests.

5. Oral Appliances

Oral appliances are custom-made devices worn in the mouth to reposition the jaw and tongue, which helps keep the airway open. They are most effective for individuals whose sleep apnea condition is mild to moderate and can be a good option for those who prefer not to use a CPAP mask.

6. Surgery

Surgery may sometimes be necessary to correct structural issues contributing to sleep apnea.

Procedures can include genioglossus advancement (GA), uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), or maxillomandibular advancement (MMA). Surgical options are typically considered when other treatments have not been effective or when anatomical issues require correction.

7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Counselling

For those dealing with the stresses and mental health consequences of sleep apnea, cognitive-behavioural therapy and counselling can be beneficial options to pursue.

These therapeutic approaches can help individuals manage mood disorders, reduce levels of anxiety and develop coping strategies for dealing with the challenging effects of suffering from sleep apnea.

8. Support Groups

Joining a support group for individuals with sleep apnea can provide emotional support and a sense of community.

As it provides an opportunity to share experiences and learn from others who are going through similar challenges, support groups can help individuals address the emotional aspects of their condition and build resilience.

9. Medication Management

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms related to sleep apnea, such as depression or anxiety. However, medication is typically used as a complementary treatment alongside other interventions like CPAP therapy or lifestyle changes.

10. Comprehensive Care

A comprehensive approach to treating sleep apnea is often the most effective. This involves working closely with a healthcare team that may include a sleep specialist, pulmonologist, psychologist or psychiatrist and a nutritionist.

This team can tailor a treatment plan to address both the physical and mental health aspects of the condition.

Conclusion

Untreated sleep apnea has a significant and often underestimated impact on mental health. It can lead to cognitive impairment, mood disorders, emotional instability, and a host of other challenges that diminish overall well-being.

Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and a range of treatment options, individuals can address their sleep apnea and its associated mental health issues. So, don’t let sleep apnea take a toll on your mental health – seek help, make lifestyle changes and take control of your well-being.

Doing this will enable you to lead a happier, healthier and better quality of life overall.