Sleep apnea leads to a decline in quality of life due to the severity of certain symptoms:
- Drowsiness
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of vitality
- Mood disorders, irritability
- Memory and concentration issues
- Libido disorders
Experiencing these symptoms daily can significantly affect various aspects of social life, including professional activities, social relationships, emotional regulation, and even relationship management. Studies have also shown that a partner’s quality of life is often deteriorated as well.* Implementing a treatment can greatly improve the quality of life for both the individual with sleep apnea and their partner.
Risk of Depression
Sleep apnea and depression share many common symptoms. A depressive episode can sometimes mask undiagnosed sleep apnea. In fact, there is a cause-and-effect link between the two conditions.* In one out of five cases, sleep apnea symptoms can lead to depression. Treating sleep apnea has been shown to significantly improve depressive symptoms. A study conducted among 350 individuals currently using positive airway pressure therapy found that 22% of women were experiencing depression at the time of their sleep apnea diagnosis.*
References:
(8) Lacasse Y et al. Eur Respir J 2002, 19 (3) : 499-503 / (9) Parish JM et al, Chest 2003, 124(3) :942-7 / (10) Peppard PE et al, Arch Intern Med 2006 ; 18 ; 166(16) :1709-15 / (11) Ohayon MM, J Clin Psychiatry 2003, 64 (10) :1195-200 / (12) Schwartz DJ et al. J Clin Sleep Med 2007 15 ; 3(6):631-5 / Lindberg E, Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001; 164(11):2031-5 / (13) Survey conducted by FFAAIR among 350 patients interviewed from October to December 2008
