Feeling sad every now and then is a fundamental part of the human experience, but persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness and disinterest in things are symptoms of depression. Today, depression affects at least 20 million Americans and it is not something that should be ignored. If you find that you are feeling depressed, take a look at your sleep—it’s essential and should be just as important as nutrition and physical activity for promoting overall health. Through various studies, we can see a clear link between sleep apnea and depression. Let’s take a look…
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Depression
You may not think that your sleep reflects on your depression, but it does. When you are depressed, you may experience sleep problems, while sleep problems can also lead to depression. For instance, some people experience symptoms of depression before sleep complications come into place. However, some people experience sleep complications before depression appears. When sleep apnea is present in patients it is associated with more severe depression
Treatment Options
The solution is simple—seek treatment for your sleep apnea or depression right away. By treating your sleep apnea, you can help to not only improve your sleep, but your depression as well. Whether you treat your depression or sleep apnea, the end result will be the same: a better night’s sleep and an improved well-being.
Before beginning treatment for depression or sleep apnea, talk to your physician or visit Dr. Bonnie Foster, our Warrenton dentist, to learn more about any sleep apnea symptoms you might be experiencing. The treatment of depression and sleep apnea can help get your life back on track toward a healthy life.