Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Depression Erode Quality of Life

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Macquarie University have conducted a study examining the joint impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depression on sleep architecture and quality of life. The study, which utilized a sample of 821 participants from the Sydney Sleep Biobank, found that individuals with comorbid OSA and depression exhibited worse quality of life and higher levels of sleepiness compared to those without these conditions. The findings suggest that identifying and treating comorbid OSA and depression is crucial to improving treatment compliance and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 821 participants from the Sydney Sleep Biobank, with 38% being female and an average age of 49.5 years.
  • Participants were divided into four groups based on their apnea-hypopnea index and depression score: no OSA-no depression, OSA-only, depression-only, and comorbid OSA and depression (OSAD).
  • Participants with OSAD and depression-only had higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores (8.4 vs 8.9 vs 6.9, p=0.003) and lower Functional Outcomes of Sleep (FOSQ-10) scores (13.9 vs 12.8 vs 16.7, p=0.003).
  • Despite the lack of changes in sleep architecture, the study found that OSAD was associated with worse quality of life and higher levels of sleepiness.
  • The researchers noted that identifying comorbid OSA and depression is essential for improving treatment compliance and overall well-being.

Statistics:

  • 38% of participants were female.
  • The average age of participants was 49.5 years (SD 15.6).
  • 821 participants were assessed in the study.
  • 20% of participants had comorbid OSA and depression (OSAD).
  • Participants with OSAD had higher ESS scores (8.4 vs 8.9 vs 6.9, p=0.003).
  • Participants with OSAD had lower FOSQ-10 scores (13.9 vs 12.8 vs 16.7, p=0.003).

Sources:

  • Sleep Architecture and Quality of Life In Comorbid Osa and Depression: Cross-sectional Analysis of the Sydney Sleep Biobank. Sleep and Breathing, 2025;29(5).
  • Chan, D. E. C. Y., Yee, B. J., Sun Bin, Y., Cistulli, P. A., Chan, A. S. L., de Chazal, P., Wheatley, J. R., & Karaitis, K. (2025). Sleep Architecture and Quality of Life In Comorbid Osa and Depression: Cross-sectional Analysis of the Sydney Sleep Biobank. Sleep and Breathing, 29(5).
  • Macquarie University. (2025). New Mental Health Findings Has Been Reported by Investigators at Macquarie University (Sleep Architecture and Quality of Life In Comorbid Osa and Depression: Cross-sectional Analysis of the Sydney Sleep Biobank). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal, 577.