In the healthcare system, sleep problems and mental distress are often treated as separate issues.
This can create blind spots, particularly among older adults, where symptoms are often complex.
A large Canadian study published in JAMA Network Open now suggests that this separation may mean important connections are overlooked.
Mutual influence
The researchers behind the study note that the findings may have implications for clinical practice.
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The study examined signs of sleep apnea in older patients, for whom it may be relevant to assess mental health at the same time.
Both conditions are widespread in this age group and can mutually influence one another, yet they are most often not assessed simultaneously.
The study therefore raises the question of whether more integrated screening could contribute to earlier detection and better treatment.
Research basis
The study is based on data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. More than 30,000 people aged 45 to 85 participated, and most were followed for nearly three years.
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According to the analysis, the risk of sleep apnea was assessed based on specific signs such as snoring, pronounced daytime sleepiness, and breathing pauses during sleep.
Mental health was measured, among other factors, using a recognized depression scale and information on the use of antidepressant medication.
What do the results show?
The researchers highlight that people at high risk of sleep apnea were more likely to meet the criteria for mental distress than others.
According to the analysis, this association was present both at the start of the study and at follow-up.
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At the same time, the researchers emphasize that more knowledge is needed about the precise causal relationships.
Sources: Medical Xpress, and Jama Network Open.
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