Sleep is one of the most important biological activities any living being will do, and has possible benefits for various ailments, as we’ve learned over the years. Many people will not function as well if they can’t get enough sleep. Sufferers of sleep apnea are part of that group.
Sleep apnea is a condition where sleep is disrupted by the sleeper’s breath becoming shallow — then pausing — up to 30 times an hour. Resuming breathing after that pause causes a loud snorting or choking sound, which reduces the quality of the sleep. Sleep apnea sufferers are typically more sleepy during the day than the average person. This condition can happen to anyone, but may also be caused by obesity in what is termed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
A new study from a group of researchers out of the University of Adelaide and the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health finds that men who are excessively sleepy during the daytime are 10 percent more likely to be depressed than other men.
When speaking with Forbes, lead author of the study Carol Lang said that “…the presence of both [excessive daytime sleepiness and OSA] was associated with an even greater risk [of depression]”.
Excessive daytime sleepiness and severe OSA were both associated with the prevalence and recent onset of depression in our community-based sample of men, and the presence of both was associated with an even greater risk.
If you have sleep apnea or know someone who may, this is yet another reason to seek treatment. Immortal News has reported before on the weight gain that losing even 30 minutes of sleep can cause. This study is an indication that not only could you sleep better with sleep apnea treatments (such as a CPAP machine or even surgery), you could feel better emotionally too.
The video below shows the internal workings of sleep apnea.
Do you have sleep apnea? Have you been treated for sleep apnea? Discuss below in the comments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6lxO6W2-m8
