
Sleep-Disordered Breathing in 45+ Adults Linked to Rising Mental Health Risks, Large Study Finds
In a Canadian study of 30,097 adults aged 45–85, those at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea had about 40% higher odds of an existing mental disorder and ~20% higher risk of a new one over ~3 years; associations held after adjusting for risk factors, with women, lower-income individuals, and those with chronic pain or respiratory problems most affected. Likely mechanism: intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation; CPAP and other treatments can improve sleep and mood when used consistently, underscoring the case for screening in primary care.









