Depression and Sleep

The link between depression and sleep problems is well documented. People with depression often have sleep problems including:

Frequent waking during the night
Trouble falling asleep
Waking up too early in the morning and being unable to fall back to sleep

Not only do people who are depressed experience sleep problems, but research shows that sleep problems can actually play a large role in why they are depressed in the first place.

Lack of Sleep and Depression

The relationship between depression and sleeping can be dramatic. While lack of sleep alone does not cause depression, it has been shown to play a part in its development. People need an adequate amount of restorative sleep each night. When someone does not get the quality sleep they need, they will be fatigued, tense, irritable and have trouble concentrating -- factors which can contribute to depression. People who have insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome and other disruptive sleep disorders are prone to depression.

Treating Depression and Sleep Disorders

Recent studies show that in some people with depression, addressing the sleep disorder is a key component to treatment. There are several antidepressants available that can help treat depression and also help improve sleep quality.

People who are depressed often have negative and stressful thoughts in their head that keep them up at night and prevent them from sleeping well. That is why in addition to medication, talk therapy is a recommended part of treatment. Therapy can help give a person coping mechanisms so that they can better manage their emotions and fall asleep more easily.