Depression as a causal factor in obstructive sleep apnea: An analysis based on the NHANES 2005–2008

Abstract Background Depression and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have complex and incompletely understood pathophysiological links. Our study used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005 to 2008 to elucidate their associations. Methods Initial assessment employed multivariable logistic regression to quantify links between depressive symptom severity and OSA manifestations in NHANES data. Mendelian randomization (MR) was implemented to establish potential causal pathways connecting depression and OSA pathogenesis. Results The NHANES investigation enrolled 5099 individuals. Through multifactorial logistic regression analyses, progressively adjusted models revealed consistent correlations between depressive symptom scores and OSA risk. MR approaches substantiated a statistically significant causative association linking depression with OSA pathogenesis. Conclusion This study indicates a firm association between depression and OSA risk. This underscores the necessity for further research into the causal pathways from depression to OSA, identifying potential targets for intervention in this prevalent respiratory condition. In addition, clinical work should focus on the OSA disease in patients with depression symptom, as well as antidepressant and OSA treatment methods, and the possibility of clinical benefit of treatment for these patients with comorbidities.