When was the last time you had a sleepless night? If this happens to you often, it could be a sign of depression. If you want to know how, read this article. Several studies have linked sleep disorders and depression to its adverse effects on health. Depression is more common than we think and therefore the slightest symptom should not be ignored. More than 70% of people who go through depression are not able to sleep well and so it leads to their sleep disorders. Similarly, there is a possibility that sleep disorders can lead to depression. Let’s look at the link between these diseases in detail.
Links to depression and sleep disorders
We talked to the experts Dr. Tanu Chowdhury, Clinical Psychologist, Lucknow, to learn about the link between depression and sleep disorders. He said that depression and sleep problems are very closely related and can cause some problems. Interestingly, they have a unique link, the symptoms of depression cause sleep disturbances and sleep disorders can lead a person to depression. Depression can also have many effects.
How does depression cause sleep problems?
According to experts, there is a brief explanation around the connection between these disorders. In fact, the symptoms of depression often interfere with sleep and make it difficult for a person to sleep well. Or if it is, she has extra sleep problems that affect her mental health. Here are some common causes of sleep disorders:
Insomnia- It is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult for a person to sleep for long periods of time. It is a common disease that affects most people who go through depression.
Hypersomnia- This is in stark contrast to what happens in insomnia. So here the person sleeps extra hours during the day and makes him feel abnormal and this sleep disorder creates the feeling of sleep even after you get the sleep you need.
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How does sleep affect depression?
As far as the effects of sleep are concerned, there is a lot of evidence that sleep problems such as insomnia can lead a person to symptoms of depression and related problems. Sleep apnea causes depressive symptoms because there is a strong link between obstructive sleep apnea and depression. The National Institutes of Health conducted a study on the subject in 2005 and then another review in 2009 to confirm the relationship.
Ways to treat depression due to sleep disorders
If you have depression that is caused by a sleep disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnea or hypersomnia, then the following ways can help treat this problem. Symptoms of depression during early diagnosis can be addressed with medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Here’s what you can do:
Depression Treatment Methods-
- Medications containing anti-depressants such as citalopram or fluoxetine may alleviate these symptoms.
- You can go to a therapist or counselor who specializes in depression and mental health issues.
- You may even find a cognitive behavioral therapy that can help ease the emotions, feelings, and behavioral problems caused by sleep problems.
- Coming in contact with white light which helps to control your mood
- Herbal supplements recommended by the therapist’s dietitian to relieve the symptoms of depression.
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Ways to treat obstructive sleep apnea-
- Using a CPAP machine that gives you a positive respiratory tract that helps during this disorder
- Taking certain types of medicated nasal decongestants that can help you increase congestion and correct air flow
- Lose excess weight in the process of relieving pressure from your lungs or diaphragm
- UPPP method that is used to remove excess tissue from the back of the throat
Lifestyle changes to improve sleep and alleviate depression
- Eat a healthy and regular diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, etc.
- Do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise for yourself that may make you feel better, such as walking, jogging or going to the gym.
- Get to bed early, get up early, it works. Improve your sleep schedule
- Do not use electronic devices 2 hours before bedtime
- Restrict online use of social media
- Try to meditate in the morning or at leisure. Clear your mind and thoughts
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