Depression and Insomnia

For many people, depression and insomnia seem to go hand in hand.

Perhaps the answer is a bit of both, as studies indicate that the 90% of depressed people also suffer from insomnia.

Conversely, people who are already suffering from insomnia, are at a greater risk of developing depression or anxiety disorders, than those of us who sleep well.

When treating people with both these disorders, doctors have found that treating the insomnia helps patients overcome their depression more quickly.

Although the connection between depression and sleep is often the belief that someone who is depressed may want to sleep all the time, or have trouble getting out of bed, in reality that's often not so.

In fact research has found that this particular reaction only occurs in about 15% of depressed patients. The majority of them don't sleep well (or much) at all, and depression and insomnia are much more likely to be found together.

Studies have also shown that elderly people who suffer from insomnia (but have no previous history of depression) are at up to 6 times more likely to develop symptoms of depression at some point.

Sleep deprivation and your emotions

Poor concentration, a short-temper, aggression or tears... they're all much more likely when you're over-tired. A study done at the University of California found that people lose a certain amount of control over their emotions and reactions when they're short of sleep.

The research showed that sleep deprivation seems to trigger an almost 'hyperactive response' in the region of the brain that normally keeps our emotions under control.

As both anxiety and depression are highly emotional conditions, this helps to explain the strong link between depression and insomnia.

A study conducted by the University of Basle, in Switzerland, found that.....

'persistent sleep disturbances are associated with significant risk of both relapse and recurrence in mood disorders and an increased risk of suicide'.

The report also stated that.....

'patients with major depression show profoundly altered patterns of nocturnal hormone secretion, possibly through mechanisms that link regulation of sleep with neuroendocrine activity'.

Treating Depression and Insomnia

SSRI's include the medications Prozac, Celexa, Zoloft and Paxil. Sometimes a hypnotic sleep medication (for example Ambien or Sonata) may also prescribed by your doctor.

As well as medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling and psychotherapy can all be very helpful in treating the 'double-whammy' combination of depression and insomnia.

Combining prescription medicines plus therapy may produce the best long-term results because the drugs often work in an immediate way to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression or insomnia, while the therapy helps you to learn coping strategies and ways to reduce the 'triggers', which can reduce (or even prevent) a recurrence of your condition/s.

BUT, there are also natural products and alternative treatment options for those of us who prefer to use prescriptions as a 'last resort'. One such product is Vilift, a natural, herbal product that works with your body and brain to regulate serotonin levels and help you to feel better quickly.

Once the acute symptoms are under control, there are a lot of different things that you can do to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep. You'll find lots of information, tips and advice that will help you get a better nights' sleep, on my How To Sleep Better page.

If you're suffering from depression, you might also want to check out this very helpful site.............

All on Depression Help - Information and Inspiration for Overcoming Depression - Need depression help? Overcoming depression starts with understanding the condition: what it is, its types, causes, signs, symptoms and effects. We provide the needed information, inspiration and natural remedies.

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