If all the talk of vaccines has left you in need of a refresher on which vaccinations babies need to stay healthy, check out this post for an up-to-date list.
Problems sleeping often go hand-in-hand with feelings of depression. Among people struggling with depression, about 75% say they have trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep.
People who have insomnia may have a risk of developing depression that’s 10 times higher than people who sleep well all night.
The two problems often feed off each other, creating a situation that’s difficult to sort out. At Arlington Family Practice in Arlington, Massachusetts, we can help you get a handle on both depression and sleep trouble so you can get your life back.
Everyone feels sad or disappointed at times, but if your feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness last most of the day for more than a couple of weeks, you may be experiencing depression.
More than 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression. We don’t know exactly what causes it, but family history, major stress and trauma, and changes in brain chemistry can all play a role.
Symptoms of depression also include loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite, decreased energy, difficult concentrating, and thoughts of death and suicide. A common symptom is a change in your sleep patterns.
Almost everyone with depression experiences sleep problems. In fact, some doctors hesitate to diagnose depression if the patient doesn’t also have sleeping issues. The most common of these problems include insomnia, hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), and sleep apnea.
If you begin sleeping badly, this can contribute to the development of depression. Or, if you’re depressed, you’re more likely to develop sleep problems.
This complex relationship can make treatment options a bit confusing, but here are a few methods we may use. The good news is that both issues can be treated effectively.
For depression, a treatment plan usually includes counseling or therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy. Antidepressants are another option, but it may take time to determine which one works best for you. Treatments in combination are sometimes more effective than just one.
For your sleeping struggles, talking to a therapist can help you learn to cope with your depression as you change your mindset around sleep. Suggestions proven to help include:
Keep a consistent bedtime, allow time for 7-9 hours of sleep, and build a nighttime routine that cues your body when it’s time to start shutting down for the night.
Even moderate consumption of either substance can alter your sleep patterns and disrupt your sleep cycles.
Sunlight helps your body’s internal clock calibrate when it’s time to be awake (bright sunshine) and when it’s time to induce sleepiness (when the sun sets).
You’re killing two birds with one stone here. Not only do you get the health benefits, exerting your body can improve your sleep quality and decrease symptoms of depression. Just don’t exercise too late in the day; leave your body plenty of time to adjust to sleeping mode.
If you’re experiencing sleep and depression issues, our expert team at Arlington Family Practice is ready and willing to customize a treatment plan just for you. Just contact the office by phone or use our convenient online scheduler to set your own appointment.
You Might Also Enjoy...
If all the talk of vaccines has left you in need of a refresher on which vaccinations babies need to stay healthy, check out this post for an up-to-date list.
Abnormal results from a Pap smear aren’t what you want to hear from your doctor. So how should you react? First, stay calm. Second, realize that you do have options. Read on to find out what they are.
Wondering if you have the flu? Take a look at these seven common symptoms to see how your situation stacks up. You’ll find some treatment ideas too!
You might be worried if you get a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, but the condition is manageable. Find out our best advice on navigating your pregnancy.
Worried about an abnormal Pap smear result? Abnormal results are actually more common than you might think, and they don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Find out more here to put your mind at ease.
If you’re battling insomnia, you know how difficult the problem can make everything else. Try these tips to get back to sleeping through the night once again, and bring some peace and calm back to your life.