Archived Questions
Question of the Week - August 29, 2001
"My doctors are convinced that I am suffering from depression, and that's why my sleep is suffering. I have always been convinced that I have some kind of sleep problem that after many years is causing me to have many signs of depression. (Fatigue, body aches, anxiety, restlessness, constant illness) . . . My question is, is it very common for doctors to mistreat a sleeping disorder as depression?"
Brent
Answer to the Question of the Week
Brent,
Disordered sleep patterns is definitely a hallmark sign of depression. Conversely, one of the long-term consequences of an untreated sleep disorder can be clinical depression. It is a circular and complicated interaction.
Yes, it is true that many physicians are not well equipped to recognize the signs of sleep disorders. Two studies published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Feb. 24, 1999 and May 10, 1999) clearly demonstrated that sleep apnea is significantly under-recognized by primary care physicians. Of course, in your case, it is difficult to know whether your physicians have taken a complete sleep history into account. It is possible that you are suffering from both conditions and you should continue to work closely with your doctors to find full and appropriate treatment.
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