Depression and Sleepiness

Depression and sleepiness. Lack of sleep and depression. Is there a link between the two? Are you tired because you’re feeling sad and depressed? Or are you sad and depressed because you are tired? Many things can affect mood, including some medications, but one of the most common mood-altering problems people experience is sleep loss. Getting a poor night’s sleep can affect your mood the next day, but chronic sleep loss could indicate an underlying medical condition.

While there is some indication that lack of sleep causes depression in some people, virtually everyone who is depressed has difficulty sleeping. It’s a common symptom of depression, a general term for any number of depressive disorders. Aside from difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much (hypersomnia) additional symptoms of depressive disorders include feelings of sadness, disappointment, and hopelessness along with other emotional, mental, and physical changes that have a negative impact on the ability to cope with daily activities.

Sleep Issues: Lack of Sleep and Depression

Sleep issues associated with depression include insomnia, hypersomnia, and obstructive sleep apnea. Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as the “Winter Blues”, is another common cause of depression.

Insomnia is the most common sleep issue associated with depression and is estimated to occur in about 75% of adult patients with depression. It is believed that about 20% of people with depression have obstructive sleep apnea and about 15% have hypersomnia.- National Sleep Foundation

How Does Depression Affect Sleep?

Anxiety is the most common form of mental health issue nationwide. Depression is the second most common mental health issue in America. Both conditions affect the ability to sleep, and in turn, lack of sleep intensifies the disorder. It’s the proverbial vicious circle, which is why seeking treatment for lack of sleep and depression is so important. Whether it’s a physical ailment such as sleep apnea or a mental health issue such as depression, seeing a doctor or sleep specialist is the first step towards getting treatment. Take the step. Contact us today. 

If you are having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor, or text 741741. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Additional reading: Can Sleep Deprivation Lead to Mental Illness? | Sleep Study, Sleep Clinic