The Impact of Snoring and Sleep Apnoea on Mental Health: How Oral Appliance Therapy Can Help
Sleep is the foundation of mental and emotional well-being. But when sleep is disrupted — night after night — the consequences reach far beyond just daytime fatigue. Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) don’t just affect breathing during sleep; they can also take a serious toll on mental health, contributing to anxiety, depression, mood swings, and reduced cognitive function.
In this post, we explore:
The link between sleep apnoea and mental health
The biological and psychological effects of sleep disruption
How oral appliance therapy can help treat sleep apnoea — and in turn, support mental wellness
What the latest research says
What patients can expect from this treatment approach
This blog is based on current scientific understanding and guidelines from leading medical organisations, including the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), American Psychiatric Association (APA), and American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).
Understanding the Mental Health Toll of Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is more than just disrupted breathing. It is a chronic sleep disorder in which the airway becomes repeatedly blocked, limiting oxygen flow and interrupting sleep. This can occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night without the person fully waking up.
The key effects on mental health include:
Daytime fatigue and brain fog
Irritability and mood swings
Reduced concentration and memory
Increased risk of anxiety and depression
Lower resilience to stress
Multiple studies have found a strong association between untreated OSA and depressive symptoms, even after accounting for other medical conditions. In fact, some researchers believe that chronic sleep disruption may worsen — or even mimic — major depressive disorder (MDD) in susceptible individuals.
Why Does This Happen? The Science Behind It
Sleep is not just rest — it’s a biological reset for the brain. During deep sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) stages, the brain performs critical functions related to emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and neurotransmitter balance.
When sleep apnoea prevents the brain from reaching and maintaining these sleep stages:
Cortisol (stress hormone) levels remain elevated
Serotonin and dopamine levels — vital for mood — are disrupted
Brain inflammation may increase, impairing cognitive and emotional function
Fragmented sleep reduces overall brain restoration
Ongoing oxygen deprivation — even if mild — has also been shown to affect areas of the brain involved in mood regulation and decision-making, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
What the Research Shows
Several peer-reviewed studies have confirmed the link between OSA and poor mental health:
A 2017 review in The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine concluded that individuals with sleep apnoea are significantly more likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
A study published in Sleep and Breathing (2018) found that effective treatment of sleep apnoea improved both sleep quality and depressive symptoms in many patients.
Longitudinal research has shown that even subclinical levels of apnoea (such as chronic snoring) are associated with increased psychological distress over time.
Importantly, treatment helps — and this is where oral appliance therapy comes in.
How Oral Appliance Therapy Supports Mental Health
For patients with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, or those who can’t tolerate CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure), Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) offers an effective and medically endorsed alternative.
Oral appliances work by:
Repositioning the lower jaw forward
Stabilizing the tongue and soft tissues
Increasing airway volume and preventing collapse during sleep
This leads to:
Fewer apnoeic events
Improved oxygen saturation
More restorative, uninterrupted sleep
And when sleep improves, so does mental health:
✔️ Reduced daytime fatigue, leading to better energy and mood
✔️ More stable emotional regulation due to deeper sleep stages
✔️ Less anxiety and irritability linked to sleep fragmentation
✔️ Improved concentration and cognitive performance
✔️ Better resilience to stress and life demands
Oral appliance therapy doesn’t directly treat depression or anxiety — but by improving sleep quality and breathing, it addresses a major contributing factor in many cases.
Patient Stories: Sleep Apnoea and Mental Health
Many patients report that once their sleep apnoea is under control, they feel like “a fog has lifted.” This is no coincidence. Restorative sleep helps regulate the very brain chemistry involved in mood, motivation, and focus.
Patients treated with oral appliances often notice:
Better mood stability
Less emotional reactivity
Fewer depressive symptoms
Improved relationships and work performance
These anecdotal reports are backed by clinical data — including studies showing that patients with high compliance to oral appliance use report greater improvements in mental and emotional well-being.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Appliance Therapy?
According to the AASM and AADSM, oral appliances are an appropriate treatment for:
Patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnoea
People with severe OSA who are unable to tolerate CPAP
Snorers who have been medically evaluated and cleared for OAT
The process always begins with a proper diagnosis via sleep study, followed by a dental evaluation by a trained professional.
The Process: What to Expect
Diagnosis – You’ll undergo a sleep study to assess severity and determine appropriate treatment.
Dental Evaluation – A dental sleep medicine provider assesses your oral health, jaw structure, and suitability for a custom-fitted appliance.
Impressions or Scans – Custom impressions or digital scans are taken to create your device.
Fitting and Adjustments – The appliance is fitted, and follow-up visits ensure comfort and effectiveness.
Monitoring – Treatment effectiveness is reviewed through feedback, sleep studies, and regular check-ins.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
Like any treatment, oral appliance therapy has potential side effects. These include:
Temporary jaw discomfort
Changes to bite or tooth position over time
Dry mouth or increased salivation
Most side effects are mild and can be managed with adjustments and monitoring. The benefits — including improved sleep and potentially better mental health — often outweigh the risks.
Final Thoughts: Sleep Better, Feel Better
Sleep apnoea and snoring are not just nighttime issues — they have deep, lasting effects on how we think, feel, and function during the day. By restoring quality sleep through oral appliance therapy, many people experience profound improvements not just in their sleep, but in their mental health, relationships, and quality of life.
If you’ve been struggling with snoring, sleep apnoea, or symptoms of anxiety and depression, it may be time to ask: Could sleep be the missing piece?
We’re here to help you explore your options, starting with a thorough evaluation and evidence-based treatment that fits your lifestyle.