How does sleep apnea effect sin or doesn't it?

[dizzy_dave]

I just learned yesterday that I have sleep apnea, which means I am always tired, I often find It hard to concentrate. I also have depression and anxiety problems. Would any of that effect me being responsible for my actions? I’m not trying to get out of anything. When I go to confession should I mention these to the priest? I am also on Zoloft for depression and am seeing a Phychologist too.

 

[Phil_M]

These conditions would probably make you less responsible for certain actions, so it’d be harder to commit some mortal sins. Still, I’d mention it to my confessor anyway, there’s no harm in confessing venial sins. I’m praying for you

 

[wcknight]

I also have sleep apnea, and it does leaves you always tired and fatigued. However sleep apnea does not impair your judgement or ability to distinguish right from wrong, at least not by itself.

The real danger with sleep apnea is that it may become very dangerous if coupled with sleep deprivation. That happened to me many years ago, and it caused me to become delusional, and enter into an almost zombie like state. Even then I was no danger to anyone except myself.

Depression however is a different story, as well as some of the drugs that are associated with it. Mood swings can impair judgement and some drugs may make clear thinking almost impossible especially if the dosage is too strong.

It would be debatable how much any of these problems lessens ones culpability with regards to serious sin. While impaired judgement may be a mitigating factor in evaluating all the consequences of our actions. However, we still have some responsibility not to place ourselves into sinful circumstances.

IF we are predisposed to live by high principles and charitable instincts, I doubt we would do very much to act counter to that even if we are in a impaired condition. God knows out inner most thoughts and it would be between God and the individual to judge just how much control or lack of control each situation presents.

With depression you have a very difficult road to travel, but it is good that you are seeking professional help. Good luck and my prayers are with you.

 

[dizzy_dave]

Thanks. God Bless

 

[ReformedCatholic]

dizzy_dave:

I just learned yesterday that I have sleep apnea, which means I am always tired, I often find It hard to concentrate. I also have depression and anxiety problems. Would any of that effect me being responsible for my actions? I’m not trying to get out of anything. When I go to confession should I mention these to the priest? I am also on Zoloft for depression and am seeing a Phychologist too.

Just do the best you can. The last thing you need is the worry of “sin” and “damnation” and “hell” and all that.

 

[Ruthie]

Dizzy Dave, I’m holding your virtual hand. IOW, me, too.

Get you a CPAP machine, yesterday! After a couple of weeks or so using it, you’ll feel like your IQ just went up 20 points.

As for the sin aspect - when you have fatigue that immobilizes you, you will probably commit “sins of omission.” I think the fatigue mitigates these.

I haven’t asked my priest yet; I’m a candidate, and my first communion will be in a week or so. I’m hoping he will be able to help me figure out when I’m truly “too pooped to pop,” or whether it’s simple laziness that I should overcome.

So, yes, you should tell the priest.

Depression is also a mitigating factor. For instance, when someone truly depressed commits suicide, it may not be a mortal sin, because it’s a result of the disease.

HTH

 

[rwoehmke]

Ruthie:

Dizzy Dave, I’m holding your virtual hand. IOW, me, too.Get you a CPAP machine, yesterday! After a couple of weeks or so using it, you’ll feel like your IQ just went up 20 points.
As for the sin aspect - when you have fatigue that immobilizes you, you will probably commit “sins of omission.” I think the fatigue mitigates these.
Depression is also a mitigating factor. For instance, when someone truly depressed commits suicide, it may not be a mortal sin, because it’s a result of the disease. HTH

Ruthie is right. I have had sleep apnea for years and never knew it until two years ago. A CPAP(or a BPAP if you are a mouth breather at night) makes a huge difference. The lack of good ventlation(breathing) during sleep is said to exacerbate the causes of heart disease, diabetes and other nastys, it can also put your boss up in smoke when you fall asleep in meetings or drag yourself through each day. Do yourself a favor and call a Sleep Lab at a nearby hospital. They can get you set up. Medicare covers it and your insurance if you have it may well do the same.