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And when morning comes, you just feel utterly drained and depressed.
So what is the link between insomnia and depression?
Can depression actually cause insomnia, or is it the other way around?
Can insomnia cause depression?
While insomnia is a common symptom of clinical depression, it’s rarely the sole cause.
This is because sleep deprivation can hike up cortisol (the stress hormone), leading to mood disorders.
Is insomnia a symptom of depression?
Insomnia can be a symptom of depression or vice-versa, says the doctor.
In fact, medical experts hesitate to diagnose a case of depression if there are no implications for sleep.
There are also many differentcauses of insomnia.
Poor sleep can be associated with emotional or physical trauma, feelings of hopelessness, sadness or guilt.
This can lead to increased tension and vigilance, stopping you from getting the rest you need.
How to sleep better when you have insomnia and depression
1.
Practice good sleep hygiene
Mindfulness before sleep is helpful for calming your brain down.
Developing anighttime routineto unwind can positively affect the quality of sleep you get.
Keep a consistent schedule
This can help regulate your bodys internal clock.
Whereas it’s been found thatirregular sleep can cause depressionand mood disorders.
Start with picking a particular time to go to bed and wake up in line with your usual routines.
Regular and high intake of sugar and alcohol is associated with poor sleep quality.
Similarly, after the initial drowsiness alcoholreportedlycauses sleep disruptions throughout the night as blood alcohol levels decline.
Calming sounds, white noise machines and gentle music can help drown out external disturbances.
What are the different types of insomnia?
Insomnia is often used to describe many types of sleep disturbances.
While the causes of insomnia are varied, some people are more at risk of developing it than others.
And finally, people diagnosed with other sleep disorders likerestless leg syndromeorsleep apneaare at a higher risk of insomnia.
Recentstudiesalso show that genetics play a crucial role in developing insomnia.
double-check you talk with your doctor or health professional about possible treatment.
Here are some common insomnia treatments:
1.
This kind of therapy have beenproven to be very effectivein treating insomnia.
These are often sedative medicines, which slows down brain activity, making it easier to fall asleep.
This, however, is a short-term solution only.
Melatonin is a hormone the brain produces in response to darkness and is responsible for regulating the circadian rhythm.
As with all dietary supplements, the dosage is to be decided by a medical expert.
