To those without sleep apnea, it can seem like quite a simple situation — you snore, so you get a diagnosis, then a CPAP, and everything is fine. Those with the condition know that not only can it be way scarier than that, it can also be quite a complicated condition to treat. Luckily both diagnosis and treatment processes are improving by the day, but the hidden emotional and social ramifications of the condition are just coming to light, as researchers learn more and educate the public about this widespread condition.
The Sleep Health Inquiries on Needs and Emotions (SHINE) released its most recent survey results on October 9th, and they give voice to the people behind these impacts. (1)
The survey had 1,500 participants who had been diagnosed with OSA participate by answering questions about their relationships, overall feelings about their OSA diagnosis and the challenges that come with the diagnosis.
Key stats included:
- 92 percent of those surveyed stated that their OSA symptoms affected their work performance in the last week.
- 54 percent of participants reported anxiety and 67 percent reported feelings of hopelessness
- 48 percent reported feeling embarrassed by their OSA diagnosis, while 67 percent reported feeling less engaged with those around them.
- Almost 50 percent said they are unable to share a bed with their partner due to their OSA symptoms
In addition, around a third of people said they have fears about dying from OSA, likely fueled by the increased risk factors people with the condition face for a variety of health conditions. Some have shared their specific stories on Apnimed’s website, to further illuminate the daily struggles. For example, Chris writes that he once walked into a dentist’s office who exclaimed, “You’re not fat!” showing the stereotypes that people with OSA deal with. He, of course, stopped seeing that dentist. Another woman with OSA talks about how it’s not so easy to travel with a CPAP.
For those suffering from OSA and their families, the survey results aren’t exactly news. For others, it’s eye-opening. Researchers have been studying the mental health connection in recent years too. A 2022 study found that anxiety and depression were positively correlated with early morning symptoms of OSA, including headache. (2) A 2023 review found that there was a higher prevalence of depression symptoms amongst those who have been diagnosed with OSA. (3)
As with any condition, researching and understanding top tips for dealing with life that involves OSA can be helpful to finding the right strategies for. There are also potential differences in how sleep disorders impact men and women to be aware of. Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to your sleep specialist, general physician, therapist, or other medical professionals to share concerns of depression, anxiety, or other OSA-related mental health problems.
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Sources
1. Sleep Health Inquiries on Needs and Emotions, “Shining a Light on Living with OSA,” Apnimed; https://apnimed.com/shine-survey/; October 9, 2024.
2. Sang-Ahm Lee, Kayeong Im, Jin Young Seo, Mina Jung,
“Association between sleep apnea severity and symptoms of depression and anxiety among individuals with obstructive sleep apnea,” Sleep Medicine, Volume 101, 2023, Pages 11-18, ISSN 1389-9457, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2022.09.023.
3. Li, M., Zou, X., Lu, H. et al. Association of sleep apnea and depressive symptoms among US adults: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 23, 427 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15358-8
