Sleep apnoea and mental health: A large Canadian study tracking older adults has found that people at high risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are significantly more likely to report mental health conditions such as anxiety and mood disorders.
OSA is a common sleep disorder in which the muscles at the back of the throat relax during sleep, narrowing the airway and repeatedly disrupting breathing. These pauses can lower oxygen levels and fragment sleep, often leading to daytime fatigue, poor concentration and sleepiness.
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The research, published in JAMA Network Open, analysed data from more than 30,000 adults aged 45 to 85 who were followed for an average of around three years. About 7,500 participants in the cohort were identified as having sleep apnoea.
According to the study findings, individuals at high risk of OSA had roughly a 40% higher likelihood of reporting mental health conditions both at the start of the study and during follow-up. The researchers also reported that high OSA risk remained linked to a higher chance of developing new mental health concerns over time.
The analysis found that women, people with lower income, and those reporting poorer overall health and lower life satisfaction were more likely to report new mental health conditions during the study period.
The researchers said the findings underline the need for more consistent mental health screening among middle-aged and older adults who are at risk of sleep apnoea. They also noted that earlier studies have linked sleep apnoea with a higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, suggesting that future research should examine whether combined screening and prevention strategies could improve both mental and cognitive health outcomes.