SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) – Study shows sleep apnea can worsen psychiatric symptoms.
About four percent of people in the United States have the sleeping disorder. Tissues surrounding the airway collapse, and the airway closes off , sometimes several times in a minute, causing them to briefly awaken. That leads to unrest.
The study conducted by a doctor at the University of Utah shows obstructive sleep apnea can worsen mental illnesses such as depression, and anxiety disorder, and may increase the risk of manic episodes.
Dr. Paul Teman, Director of the University of Utah’s Sleep Wake Center says the end result of sleep apnea is often severe sleep deprivation. He says it may even mimic mental illness because it makes people irritable and tired.
Dr. Teman says because sleep is an integral part of mental health it’s important to recognize apnea as a possible contributing factor. "If they have been on antidepressants or other medications and they are still not feeling better it may be worth asking them for symptoms of sleep apnea.”
The symptoms include loud snoring, sleepiness in the daytime, and someone observing cessation of breathing while sleeping. High blood pressure, a body mass index more than 35, over the age of 50, and large neck circumference are also warning signs.
Those who have those symptoms are recommended for a screening in a sleep lab setting to monitor their breathing and sleep behavior. Dr. Teman says those with sleep apnea are in danger of not only worsening their mood disorders, they are also setting themselves up for a host of other medical issues including high blood pressure, greater risk for stroke, and diabetes.
Dr. Teman says it's important to talk to your doctor if you think you have sleep apnea, especially if you are being treated for a psychiatric condition.
