I am wondering lately if sleep apnea has its roots in the psychological in many people.  

Sure, most people have apnea because of anatomy and obesity and such.  But, is there maybe a correlation between psychological problems and apnea in those who do not fit the profile or demographic?

I know this is a far fetched idea, but please play along.  Yeah yeah, it is a mechanical problem, blah blah..... is there a correlation?  That is all I want to know for this question.  

Yes, almost everyone has their own psyche quirks and apprehensions.  Nobody is 100% psychologically healthy, there is no such thing.  But, for instance, those who are not overweight, light snorers and experience numerous hypopneas instead of OSA's, could there be some suubconscious restlessness wreaking havoc on their slumber?  This is a question of opinion, or course, so it would be an "in theory" type reply.

Well, I guess my answer is the reverse of your question.  There is a relationship, in people of both sexes and all body types, in as much as severe sleep and oxygen deprivation can cause symptoms of depression and negatively affect not only mood, but our ability for clear thinking and short term memory. However, this is generally alleviated with appropriate apnea treatment.

Hi Silverback,

It is simple, by definition, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, is caused by a physical obstruction.  For a asleep disturbance to have a psychological basis, you'd have to look at the other sleep disorders.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Hi Silverback,

I think that a previous post by me is relevant to your question.

Here it is,..



 I just thought I'd add this observation. I have recently realized that in addition to my obstructed sleep apnea that my breathing has stopped while sleeping, falling to sleep and at least once while I was AWAKE, (lying down reading), because I simply exhale and do not automatically inhale again; I have to make a conscious effort if awake, (or wake up), to inhale.

 I believe that this is a different phenomenon than the "Central Apnea" that I have been reading about; please read on..

 Not to be morbid, but, it has recently occurred to me that when I was a VERY young child I was being abused by my father and I would try to protect myself by hiding under the blankets and holding my breath. I thought he could not find me if I were still and so I held my breath. This behavior has taken on a life it's own. I have been holding my breath when stressed for so many years now that it has had the effect of loosening my diaphragm, (so to speak), so that I do not always automatically breathe again after exhaling. It feels as though I am "hyper-exhaling", (if I can coin a term);
and that my diaphragm is stopping in this hyper-exhaled, or hyper-extended, position. That is to say that I exhale as much
as possible, much more than usual, and then simply stop breathing. My diaphragm feels very relaxed, much too comfortable in fact, in this position.

 I have only realized this in the past few weeks. In addition to my terrible snoring/ obstructed apnea, I'm sure that I have "taught" myself to stop breathing. I am now making a conscious effort to breathe in a more vigorous way and will
start working out again.


Has anyone here ever heard of or read this behavior being described before? Any reference material that you know of?

 Thanks in advance for your help,

 M

P.S.

Vicki, Silverback wrote "Sleep Apnea", not "Obstructive Sleep Apnea".

Apnea simply means "Temporary absence or cessation of breathing."

Thanks,

M.G.

Silverback wrote:

I am wondering lately if sleep apnea has its roots in the psychological in many people.  

Sure, most people have apnea because of anatomy and obesity and such.  But, is there maybe a correlation between psychological problems and apnea in those who do not fit the profile or demographic?

I know this is a far fetched idea, but please play along.  Yeah yeah, it is a mechanical problem, blah blah..... is there a correlation?  That is all I want to know for this question.  

Yes, almost everyone has their own psyche quirks and apprehensions.  Nobody is 100% psychologically healthy, there is no such thing.  But, for instance, those who are not overweight, light snorers and experience numerous hypopneas instead of OSA's, could there be some suubconscious restlessness wreaking havoc on their slumber?  This is a question of opinion, or course, so it would be an "in theory" type reply.

The problem is that a lot of ailments run together with Sleep Apnea.  But because a study finds that some people with sleep apnea have depression, that doesn't mean that depression causes sleep apnea.  Same with heart problems etc.  A correlation of ailments does not determine causation.  That said, folks that have Sleep Apnea treated, there have been improvements in other ailments that have been measurable (Diabetes comes to mind)  But I agree that the causation for Sleep Apnea is a physical problem.  If it was a psychological problem, why does CPAP work?  Simply because the physical obstruction is being corrected by an air splint.  

Good question, but be careful of leaping to conclusions...

Guest, I know exactly what you are talking about when you refer to the diapraghm exhaling everything and simply relax there. I've had an apnea problem since when ever (29 yo today) and Silverback, apnea can sure breed alot of psychological problems, I'm the prove of that :) And I've recently developed a very positive thinking. My apnea is still there, but it doesn't affect me nearly as much throughout the day. I simply fight it with a smile and efficiency and save sleepyness till bedtime.

But you question is sure interesting and I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case for some.

Holli, Denmark