Sleep issues and depression go hand in hand. Those who experience insomnia are more likely to develop depression and many people who struggle with depression have problems sleeping or staying asleep.
The team at Renew Wellness provides comprehensive mental health evaluations, along with a full review of treatment options. You don’t have to suffer in silence or try to tough it out. Both insomnia and depression are treatable, and you deserve the appropriate care to recover and feel good again.
Keep reading to learn how depression and sleep problems are linked.
Depression and insomnia go hand in hand
When you turn in for some shut-eye at the end of the day, your body uses that time to regulate a wide variety of hormones, brain chemicals, and other body processes. Lack of sleep disrupts this process, throwing mood-regulating brain chemicals off-kilter, which can make you more susceptible to depression.
On the other hand, depression is linked to a reduction in the amount of restorative slow-wave sleep you get each night, interfering with restful sleep. If you’re experiencing insomnia and depression, it’s important to recognize the signs earlier and seek the appropriate care so that you can recover more fully.
Look out for signs of depression
The signs of depression aren’t always easy to spot. While symptoms like feeling hopeless stick out right away, it’s easy to miss other symptoms like changes in eating habits or difficulty sleeping. Look out for these common signs:
- Feeling unmotivated
- Sleeping less than usual
- Daytime sleepiness
- Irritability
- Trouble concentrating
- Loss of appetite
- Eating more than usual
- Reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Persistent negative thoughts
Because insomnia may either be a marker for depression or a separate issue, it’s crucial to discuss symptoms of both with your health care provider. This way you receive the right treatment.
Pay attention to sleep problems
Tossing and turning all night may seem like your new normal, but sleep problems are serious and can have a significant impact on how you feel and function during the day. If your sleep trouble is related to depression, treating your depression may help you sleep better.
Look out for these signs that you may have a sleep problem that requires expert care:
- Difficulty falling sleeping
- Problems staying asleep
- Feeling exhausted during the day
- Physical aches and pains
- Waking up too early
- Feeling unrested after a night’s sleep
Treatment for insomnia can help you get back to a decent night’s sleep, preventing and improving related issues such as depression.
Getting help for depression and insomnia
Your mind and body are intimately connected. If you have depression and trouble sleeping, it’s essential to your overall well-being to seek treatment for both.
Your mood and outlook may in turn improve your insomnia. However, receiving treatment for only depression, while leaving insomnia untreated may increase your likelihood of a depression relapse or reduce the effectiveness of depression treatment.
The Renew Wellness team is by your side as you take an important step on your journey to improved wellness. To get started, call our Gilbert, Arizona, office or submit a booking request online today. Your optimal wellness is our top priority!