Q Does sleep apnea make depression or anxiety worse?
A Yes. When chronic sleep fragmentation causes an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine, depressed mood, anxiety, and reduced concentration appear. In many cases, when sleep quality improves with sleep apnea treatment, mood disorders improve as well.
Detailed Answer
Sleep Apnea and Mental Health
Sleep is essential for the brain's waste clearance (the glymphatic system) and for replenishing neurotransmitters. When sleep is repeatedly fragmented, the following symptoms can appear.
- Depressed mood and lethargy: reduced serotonin synthesis
- Anxiety and irritability: excessive cortisol secretion
- Reduced concentration and memory: impaired hippocampal function
- Reduced libido: decreased testosterone secretion
Integrative Korean Medicine Treatment
At Dongjedang, when sleep apnea is accompanied by depression or anxiety, we compose a compound prescription that adds calming medicinals for the mind and spirit (such as Sanjoin (sour jujube seed), Wonji (polygala root), and Yonggol (dragon bone)) to the phlegm-dampness-removing formula. Addressing both the airway problem and the emotional problem at the same time is a strength of Dongjedang's treatment.
If you are in the Dong-gu or Dongincheon area of Incheon and are experiencing both sleep problems and mood disorders, please contact Dongjedang for an integrative consultation.
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