Relationship of Insomnia with Depression

Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person, and also depend on the severity of the depression. Depression causes changes in thinking, feeling, behavior and physical well-being.

The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person, and also depend on the severity of the depression. Depression causes changes in thinking, feeling,

1. Changes in Thinking - You may experience problems with concentration and decision making. Some people report difficulty with short term memory, forgetting things all the time. Negative thoughts and thinking are characteristic of depression. Pessimism, poor self-esteem, excessive guilt, and self-criticism are all common. Some people have self-destructive thoughts during a more a serious depression.

2. Changes in Feelings - You may feel sad for no reason at all. Some people report that they no longer enjoy activities that they once found pleasurable. You might lack motivation, and become more apathetic. You might feel "slowed down" and tired all the time. Sometimes irritability is a problem, and you may have more difficulty controlling your temper. In the extreme depression is characterized by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

3. Changes in Behavior - Changes in behavior during depression are reflective of the negative emotions being experienced. You might act more apathetic, because that's how you feel. Some people do not feel comfortable with other people, so social withdrawal is common. You may experience a dramatic change in appetite, either eating more or less. Because of the chronic sadness, excessive crying is common. Some people complain about everything, and act out their anger with temper outbursts. Sexual desire may disappear, resulting in lack of sexual activity. In the extreme, people may neglect their personal appearance, even neglecting basic hygiene. Needless to say, someone who is this depressed does not do very much, so work productivity and household responsibilities suffer. Some people even have trouble getting out of bed.

4. Changes in Physical Well-being - We already talked about the negative emotional feelings experienced during depression, but these are coupled with negative physical emotions as well. Chronic fatigue, despite spending more time sleeping, is common. Some people can't sleep, or don't sleep soundly. These individuals lay awake for hours, or awaken many times during the night, and stare at the ceiling. Others sleep many hours, even most of the day, although they still feel tired. Many people lose their appetite, feel slowed down by depression, and complain of many aches and pains. Others are restless and can’t sit still.

Now imagine these symptoms lasting for weeks or even months. Imagine feeling this way almost all of the time. Depression is present if you experience many of these symptoms for at least several weeks. Of course, it's not a good idea to diagnose you. If you think that you might be depressed, see a psychologist as soon as possible. A psychologist can assess whether you are depressed, or just under a lot of stress and feeling sad. Remember, depression is treatable. Instead of worrying about whether you are depressed, do something about it. Even if you don't feel like it right now.

Research shows that people with sleeping difficulties tend to be more worried, depressed, unhappy and anxious than others, although apparently cheerful, calm and confident people can also suffer from insomnia. Depression is the most common cause of chronic insomnia, especially in elderly. If depressed elderly patients, suffer from insomnia have a tendency to be depressed for over a year. If any body is suffering from insomnia for some time he may be depressed. Signs to look out for are

5. Waking in the middle of the night or early morning and unable to get back to sleep
6. Loss of interest energy and appetite
7. Aggression and antisocial behavior
8. Aches and pains and have no physical explanation

If you are depressed it makes sense to seek some help. The first step to getting appropriate treatment, for depression or any emotional problem, is a complete psychological evaluation to determine whether you have a depressive illness, and if so, what type of depression. Consultation with a psychologist will include a review of your physical health history.

Some medications as well as some medical conditions can cause symptoms of depression, so your psychologist will ask your family physician to rule out these possibilities if other physical symptoms are evident. However, physicians often focus only on the physical aspects of depression, and may prescribe medication without referring you for psychological treatment or evaluation.
If you experience the symptoms of depression, you should talk to a psychologist, to assess whether psychological treatment is indicated, even if it not suggested by your physician. As a general rule, you should never take antidepressant medication alone, without also beginning psychotherapy, at least seeing a psychologist for an evaluation.

A good psychological diagnostic evaluation will include a complete history of your symptoms, i.e., when they started, how long they have lasted, how severe they are, whether you've had them before and, if so, whether you were treated and what treatment you received. Your psychologist should ask you about alcohol and drug use, and if you have had thoughts about death or suicide. Further, a history should include questions about whether other family members have had depression and if treated, what treatments they may have received and which were effective.

In addition to the prescribed medications to treat insomnia, a patient may also practice the following procedures to combat insomnia.

• Avoid stimulants such as caffeine 4-6 hours before bedtime.
• Avoid drinking alcohol 4-6 hours before going to bed.
• Change or resolve the things causing yours tress when possible
• Accept situation you can’t change
• Keep your mind and body as relaxed as much as possible throughout the day
• Give yourself enough time to do the things your need to do-including eating
• Don’t take on too much and avoid unrealistic demands
• Live in the present, rather then worrying about the past or fearing the future
• Talk to your partner if there are problems in your relationship
• Have some relaxing, non-competitive activities – something you do just for pleasure, for fun.

INSOMNIA HELP GUIDE

• Insomnia Symptoms & Causes
• Types of Insomnia
• Depression and Insomnia
• Sleeping Disorders
• Night Eating Syndrome
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Circadian Rhythms
• Conditioned Insomnia
• Chronic Insomnia
• Sleep Apnea
• Sleep Apnea Symptoms
• Sleep Apnea Treatment
• Snoring
• Sleeping Disorders & Insomnia in Children and Infants
• Insomnia Treatment and Medication
• Sleep Tips

Highly Recommended: Insomnia Cure at The Sleep Ninja