Is it possible for a sleep disorder to cause anxiety and depression?
Yes, it is possible for a sleep disorder to cause anxiety or depression or both. Sleep is a very important regulator of many of the systems in your body, such as blood pressure and the release of hormones. This pattern of sleep and other body systems regulation are your circadian rhythm. However, it’s also possible for anxiety or depression to cause a sleep disorder. Sometimes it’s not clear which comes first. A common symptom for people struggling with anxiety is insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. A common symptom for people struggling with depression is waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep. Treatment of your sleep disorder should include an assessment of your levels of anxiety and depression. Treatment of anxiety and depression should include an assessment of your sleep. These are intricately intertwined issues.
