Which came first: your depression or your insomnia? Depression and sleep are often closely linked, and sometimes, it’s difficult to know which condition is the core problem. However, if you are living with these two issues, a depression treatment program and sleep treatments may both be recommended.
Sleep and depression have a bidirectional relationship, meaning one impacts the other. A lack of sleep can lead to chemical changes in the brain that cause depression. However, sleep disturbances are also symptoms of depression. If these conditions are impacting your quality of life, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional like those at Promises Behavioral Health.
Common Effects of Depression on Sleep
A change in sleeping patterns tends to be one of the most common symptoms of depression. People with depression may feel extreme fatigue and want to sleep most of the day and night. On the other hand, depression can also cause insomnia. The stress and worry associated with depression can make it difficult to sleep at night.
Sleep problems associated with depression can include:
- Insomnia
- Hypersomnia, or excessive daytime sleeping
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Waking early
People with depression may have less rapid eye movement (REM) during sleep than those without depression. REM sleep can have a substantial impact on brain functions like mental focus, memory, and mood.
Serotonin production can also play a major role. Depression can lower serotonin levels, and serotonin is vital in the switch from waking to sleeping. In this way, the chemical changes associated with depression can affect sleep patterns.
The Impact of Sleep on Depression
Sleep disturbances can cause or worsen depression symptoms. This is because sleep is necessary for good brain health. For instance, the brain processes emotional information during REM sleep cycles, and a lack of sleep can influence a person’s mood as well as their ability to process or regulate emotions.
In fact, sleep disturbances, and especially a lack of sleep, may also contribute to:
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Whether sleep disturbances lead to mental health concerns or make symptoms worse, treatment programs for those with mental health conditions are generally most effective when they address sleep problems.
Treating Depression and Sleep Disorders
A comprehensive treatment program for depression considers every aspect of the condition. Not everyone diagnosed with the condition experiences the same symptoms or experiences them in the same way.
That’s why your healthcare professional will typically start with a complete evaluation of your mental and physical health. For example, some clients with depression need help with pain management, while others do not.
Your provider may prescribe an SSRI antidepressant, which can improve sleep quality even when they are not intended to treat sleep disturbances directly. Your provider may also recommend a sedating antidepressant.
Lifestyle changes like getting more exercise and practicing good sleep hygiene can be helpful. However, these recommendations can be difficult to follow through for people who are already feeling emotionally and physically exhausted.
A variety of talk therapies have been found helpful for improving depression symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, and trauma treatment can be highly effective. When a dual diagnosis includes substance use disorders, addiction treatment programs can also be an integral part of recovery.
Start Healing From the Effects of Depression at Promises Behavioral Health Today
Depression and sleep disorders go hand-in-hand. It isn’t always possible to determine which condition came first, but fortunately, treating both conditions at the same time is a common approach.
If you’re experiencing depression or if sleep disturbances are affecting your mental health, our skilled team can help. From outpatient programs to extended care options, you can find the right depression treatment program for your unique needs. Call Promises Behavioral Health at 888.483.7451 or submit our online contact form to speak with an expert about your treatment options today.