OSA is a common condition marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, often caused by airway collapse. It is known to disturb sleep quality, oxygen levels, and brain function. This research followed more than 30,000 adults aged 45 to 85 between 2011 and 2018 to understand how sleep-disordered breathing might shape mental well-being as people grow older.
The participants were classified as being at high risk of OSA if they scored at least 2 points on the STOP questionnaire, which screens for snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, and hypertension. Nearly one in 4 participants were considered high risk at the start of the study, rising to more than one in four by the follow-up period.
Mental health was assessed using a composite outcome that captured multiple dimensions like depressive symptoms, psychological distress, physician-diagnosed mental illness, and antidepressant use. About one-third of participants met at least one of these criteria at both baseline and follow-up.
Adults at high risk of OSA were about 40% more likely to have poor mental health at the same point in time, even after accounting for age, sex, lifestyle, and health factors. Also, this elevated risk did not fade with time. In repeated analyses that followed individuals across both measurement periods, high OSA risk remained linked to a 44% increase in the odds of experiencing mental health problems.
Overall, the results of this study suggest that OSA is not only a sleep disorder but also a significant contributor to mental health vulnerability in aging populations. The research emphasized that routine screening for sleep apnea in primary care could play a crucial role in identifying individuals at risk for depression and psychological distress early, allowing for more integrated and effective care.
Source:
Kendzerska, T., Mallick, R., Li, W., Robillard, R., Taler, V., Webber, C., Saymeh, M., Dang-Vu, T. T., Tanuseputro, P., & Fiedorowicz, J. G. (2025). Obstructive sleep apnea risk and mental health conditions among older Canadian adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on aging. JAMA Network Open, 8(12), e2549137. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.49137
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