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A 31-year-old member asked:

Has science found that sleep apnea may cause depression?

3 doctor answers8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Patrick Melder
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 29 years experience
Yes: Sleep apnea can contribute to the development of depression. The fragmented sleep and physiologic strain of apnea can promote depression.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Sherin Ibrahim Howett
Sleep Medicine 20 years experience
Yes: Sleep apnea can cause symptoms of apparent clinical depression which may respond quickly to treatment of the sleep disorder. A knowledge of the intellectual and emotional impact of sleep apnea may be important in making a correct differential diagnosis.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Mark Birnbach
Cosmetic Dentistry 50 years experience
Sleep apnea: The lack of adequate oxygen due to sleep apnea means that the brain isn't getting an essential ingredient to keep it performing at it's optimal level. This can cause depression.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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Last updated Oct 3, 2016

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