Canadian researchers analyzing over 5,000 adults found that high obstructive sleep apnea risk correlates with significantly elevated rates of depression and anxiety disorders in people aged 45 and older. The association strengthened with age, showing the most pronounced effects in participants over 65. This builds on emerging evidence that sleep-disordered breathing creates a cascade of neuroinflammatory changes that may directly compromise mood regulation. Unlike previous research focusing on diagnosed OSA patients, this study used validated screening tools to capture undiagnosed cases—potentially representing millions of adults experiencing mental health decline without recognizing the underlying sleep disorder. The bidirectional relationship complicates treatment: OSA fragments sleep and reduces oxygen delivery to mood-regulating brain regions, while depression and anxiety can worsen sleep quality and reduce treatment compliance. For clinicians, these findings suggest routine OSA screening should be integrated into mental health assessments, particularly for middle-aged and older patients presenting with treatment-resistant mood disorders. The research underscores that addressing sleep architecture may be as crucial as traditional psychiatric interventions for this demographic.