Can sleep apnea be caused by depression?

While depression can contribute to or exacerbate sleep apnea, it is not a direct cause of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is primarily a physical condition characterized by recurrent pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses disrupt normal sleep patterns and oxygen levels in the body. Depression, a mental health condition, can affect sleep patterns but does not directly lead to sleep apnea. Instead, the relationship between depression and sleep apnea is usually bidirectional. People with sleep apnea may experience fatigue and daytime sleepiness, potentially worsening depression symptoms. Conversely, depression can cause changes in sleep patterns, contributing to the severity of sleep apnea. Addressing both conditions effectively requires treating both sleep apnea and depression concurrently.