Grant: Catalyst Grant: Analysis of CLSA Data - IPPH Mandate

Sleep apnea and mental illnesses place a significant burden on the health of Canadians. By age 40, ~50% of Canadians will have a mental illness. Sleep apnea affects ~25% of adults and is caused by transient blockage of the upper airway in sleep, resulting in repeated pauses in breathing. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to health problems, including impaired mood, stress on the heart, and high blood sugar, and may be a treatable risk factor for the development and progression of mental illnesses. However, there is still limited understanding of the relationship between sleep apnea and mental illnesses over time, and we still don't know who may benefit the most from screening for sleep apnea in individuals with mental illnesses or from screening for mental health illnesses in individuals with sleep apnea. This study aims to address these knowledge gaps in people between 45 and 85 years old who participated in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging survey at baseline (2011-2015) and the first follow-up (2015-2018). From the survey data, we will extract information on self-reported mental illness diagnoses, related symptoms, and possible sleep apnea across Canada. First, we will assess the relationship between sleep apnea and mental illnesses (present, worsening, and new). Then, we will identify features of individuals with sleep apnea that put them at risk for mental illnesses and those with mental illnesses that put them at risk of having breathing issues in sleep. Finally, we will verify if having both a mental illness and sleep apnea negatively affects heart and metabolic health specifically compared to having a mental illness only, and who are those individuals who are affected the most. This study will enhance our understanding of the relationship between sleep apnea and mental illnesses to improve health care in individuals with both conditions.