an Undiagnosed sleep disorder affected my mental heath

[KJJ]

Hi,


Just posting an update that I hope may be helpful for some.


After worsening depression and fatigue I finally took a diagnostic sleep study as suggested by my psychiatrist. I am quite a petite female with normal BMI and don’t snore so was quite sceptical and even more surprised to be diagnosed with severe upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS). Sleep apnea and UARS are apparently a common cause of treatment resistant depression and anxiety. After a few months I am finally used to my Cpap treatment and am finding my depression has improved significantly and energy levels have significantly increased. I feel as though I am coming back to life 🙂 Although not a magic cure for everything I still need to watch for depression and anxiety triggers not related to my sleep disorder, things have improved significantly for me with Cpap treatment.


I just wanted to share this so that anyone struggling might consider asking their GP or psychiatrist for a sleep study. You don’t have to necessarily be overweight or snore to have a sleep breathing disorder. My issues are related to having small jaw, mouth, and airways - leading to airway narrowing.


Also make sure you get a sleep study that can detect RERAs and UARS not just AHI and Obstructive sleep apnea as just looking at the latter can miss other sleep breathing disorders that can cause mental health issues.


Although I wish I discovered this earlier and wonder if my life had have been different if it had, I really hope that this can help someone else who is struggling.

[blondguy]

Thankyou KJJ for this important update re sleep apnea and UARS (upper airway resistance syndrome)

I have two close friends that have been suffering from sleep breathing disorders which have exacerbated their anxiety and depression and both have a healthy body mass index like yourself

I am fortunate as I dont have sleep apnea as my anxiety/depression was due to personal and career based. I do understand the huge benefits of a sound REM sleep with a 'tired mind'....It really is a wonderful feeling to have

A quality sleep is fundamental to our mental well being and how it can reduce our anxiety levels and provide us with a solid platform so we have the coping skills we require facing the next day and our responsibilities

Thank you again for the excellent post raising awareness of the importance of sleep quality and our well being!

I hope you have a great weekend KJJ

my kind thoughts and appreciation

Paul

[KJJ]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for your reply. It’s been a long road, and I wonder how long I have been suffering with this condition. But I am grateful to be diagnosed and treated as I wonder how many people that suffer from this condition go undiagnosed. I hope that there is more awareness and education about sleep breathing disorders and mental health in the future. If my post can raise a little awareness or help someone I will be glad.

All the best to you too Paul and thanks for your kind words 🙂

Kelly