Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who also suffer from depression often find that continued use of CPAP relieves them of symptoms of depression, according to a study published in the October 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM).
 
Daniel J. Schwartz, MD, of The Sleep Center at University’s Community Hospital in Tampa, Fla, surveyed patients referred to his sleep center for evaluation of OSA and who demonstrated a significant response to CPAP. The subjects were evaluated for symptoms of depression, were assessed again after four to six weeks of treatment with CPAP, and then reassessed approximately one year later.
 
In this group of patients, the institution of CPAP therapy resulted in a significant decrease in those symptoms of depression that were assessed at both the short-term and long-term follow-up periods.
 
To read full abstract, click here.