Anxiety on the other hand is your body s response to stress. Researchers can t know for sure whether this is just a correlation or whether sleep apnea can cause depression directly. How To Recognize Symptoms Of Sleep Apnea Sleep Apnea Central The mechanism of the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and depression is complex and remains unclear. Can sleep apnea cause anxiety and depression . Recent research also shows that sleep apnea can cause depression. Having sleep apnea can interfere with your sleep which can then increase your risk for anxiety and depression. Sleep disordered breathing the snorts gasps and short pauses in breathing that characterize obstructive sleep apnea has been linked with depression in previous research. But for some a restless night is routine. Apnea can cause anxiety and increase anxiety in those that already have it. Though some studies suggest a mutual relationship the relationship remains unclear. When they were allowed to....