Depression can easily creep into your day, whether it\u2019s a meeting where you can\u2019t focus or trying to work up the motivation to go for a run instead of staying on the couch. But it tends to permeate into nights as well, throwing off sleep in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahead, you\u2019ll learn more about depression, how it affects sleep, and what you can do to prevent depression from ruining your sleep quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depression is a type of mood disorder that\u2019s defined as a psychiatric condition by the medical community. It affects 3.8% of the worldwide population<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIndividuals with depression are often unmotivated or unable to take care of many of their basic life activities due to an overwhelming feeling of sadness, distorted thinking, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts,\u201d explains Haley Neidich<\/a>, licensed clinical social worker. \u201cDepression is not just a bad mood and it\u2019s not something that an individual can push through with willpower. It\u2019s a psychiatric condition that requires serious treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depression can be brought on by a wide array of factors. It\u2019s a \u201ccomplex mental illness that rarely has only cause,\u201d says Neidich. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the causes that come into play can include family history, chemical imbalance, trauma, grief<\/a>, a major life change, substance abuse, physical illness, and medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Neidich, some of the common signs and symptoms of depression include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Depression and sleeping have a bidirectional relationship<\/a>. \u201cWorsening sleep often increases depression and depression often causes poorer sleep habits,\u201d says Neidich. <\/p>\n\n\n\n She often reminds her clients that there\u2019s a link between sleep deprivation<\/a> and depression, noting that \u201cwithout proper sleep, it\u2019s very unlikely to see an improvement in mental health<\/a> symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n While there\u2019s a well-known connection between depression and sleeping too much<\/a>, you may not realize that depression can cause insomnia as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSleep issues with depression can vary,\u201d Neidich says. \u201cSome individuals tend to oversleep while others struggle with insomnia. Other folks will vacillate between the two.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neidich adds that insomnia is one of the most common symptoms<\/a> of many depressive disorders, and depression is more commonly seen in individuals with poor sleep habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe same brain chemicals that contribute to depression also have a tendency to cause difficulty with sleep,” she says. “Additionally, folks with depression are less likely to be able to stick to a good sleep routine and care for themselves in general.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n What’s more, there\u2019s also a link between sleep apnea<\/a> and depression. In fact, one 2017 study<\/a> found that depression and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are \u201cmajor associated comorbidities\u201d and can be attributed to the fact that sleep apnea disrupts sleep, leading to mood problems, anxiety<\/a>, and poor concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depression can be diagnosed during a session with a psychotherapist or other licensed medical professional who will ask several questions about your symptoms while they listen to and observe you, explains Neidich. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to help them better understand the severity of your symptoms as well as a tool to help guide the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you believe you may be depressed, be sure to tell your doctor about your symptoms so that they can properly assess you,\u201d says Neidich.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While depression may feel like a fairly hopeless state of mind, know that there are several treatment options available today. Since each person is different, you may need to combine a few therapies\u2014and it may take time to find what works best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDepression is most commonly treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication,\u201d Neidich says. However, keep in mind that many medical professionals who prescribe medication for depression won’t provide a referral to a psychotherapist\u2014so you may need to find one on your own. (Here’s how antidepressants affect your sleep<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Therapy is essential because depression is typically caused by a number of factors,” says Neidich, “and in order to heal and prevent future episodes, folks with depression must also learn coping skills and process any potential causes or triggers which can contribute to their symptoms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neidich adds that this combination of therapy is especially important when insomnia or hypersomnia is present. She encourages individuals to explore a possible treatment plan with a doctor and therapist to find the right one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you need additional support, you can always call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline<\/strong> at 800-273-8255<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While oversleeping can certainly negatively impact your circadian rhythm<\/a>, a lack of sleep and depression can also create worsened symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re wondering how to sleep with anxiety and depression, Neidich shares her best tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bottom line: \u201cIf you notice a major change in your sleep habits, this is not something that should be ignored,” says Neidich. “If it persists, speaking to your medical doctor or a therapist is a great first step.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat causes depression?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the symptoms of depression?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What\u2019s the connection between depression and sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How is depression diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How is depression treated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tips for sleeping better with depression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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