Ottawa, ON — A new analysis of more than 30,000 adults in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) has found that individuals at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have significantly higher odds of experiencing mental health conditions both at the time of assessment and years later.
Researchers observed that adults at high OSA risk had about 40% higher odds of depression symptoms, psychological distress, or other mental health indicators at baseline and follow-up. Over nearly three years of follow-up, high OSA risk remained associated with a 44% increased likelihood of developing new mental health conditions.
“Our findings show that sleep apnea risk is not just a nighttime issue — it may have meaningful implications for mental health as people age,” said Dr. Tetyana Kendzerska, author of the study and member of the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium. “Given how common and underdiagnosed OSA is, especially in older adults, incorporating sleep health into routine clinical assessments could help identify individuals who may benefit from earlier support.”
The study used the STOP questionnaire to identify individuals at high risk of OSA and applied multivariate models to examine associations with a composite mental health outcome that included depressive symptoms, psychological distress, self-reported diagnoses, and antidepressant use.
“This work highlights the importance of integrated approaches to care, where sleep, physical health, and mental health are considered together rather than in isolation,” Dr. Kendzerska added. “Better screening and timely intervention could improve quality of life for many Canadians.”
The findings underscore the need for greater awareness of sleep apnea symptoms — including loud snoring, pauses in breathing, and excessive daytime fatigue — and for coordinated strategies to support healthy aging.
This news release was first published by the Canadian Sleep Research Consortium.
