Is there a connection between sleep deprivation and depression?
There is a clear link between sleep deprivation and depression. It has been reported that 80% of people with depression experience sleep problems. People suffering from depression tend to share similar sleep characteristics including: Less sleep time overall Less deep sleep REM sleep earlier in the night Difficulty falling asleep Frequent night waking Early morning waking and an inability to go back to sleep In the same way that a sleepless night can lead to feelings of lethargy and irritability, it can also lead to mild depression and – should the sleeplessness persist – major depression. When people experiencing depression are able to achieve better sleep, their depression tends to improve. Although sleep is not a cure for depression, it can improve a person’s mental state significantly. Plenty of rest and quality sleep can contribute to feeling capable of handling the challenges of life. For more information on depression, see Helpguide’s Depression: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Tre
