Can chronic sleep problems cause other disorders or co-morbid illnesses with depression?
Sleep problems can be a risk factor for a multitude of ailments. Chronic sleep loss can cause insulin resistance, a precursor for diabetes and obesity. In turn, diabetes can lead to an increased risk for depression. Sleep problems are also strongly linked to substance abuse, especially alcoholism. It is critical that patients get help for both their sleep problems and co-occurring illnesses such as depression, diabetes or substance abuse. These illnesses are closely linked, and treating one illness and not the others can sabotage a full recovery. In addition, it is important that we, as a culture, reevaluate our relationship with sleep. People tend to try to function with less and do not make the time for adequate, restful and restorative sleep. However, healthy sleep is very important to our daily lives and long-term health—it is as important as heart health.
