{"id":3529,"date":"2019-11-19T15:22:53","date_gmt":"2019-11-19T15:22:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/?p=3529"},"modified":"2024-02-13T15:11:04","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T15:11:04","slug":"depression-and-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bettersleep.org\/blog\/depression-and-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Depression and Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Depression<\/p>\n

The relationship between sleep and depression is typical of many personal relationships: it\u2019s complicated. Poor mood can interfere with sleep quality, and in turn, a rough night can make it more difficult to cope with the demands of the day. Which condition predates the other is unclear, and potentially changeable. The bidirectional nature of sleep and mood makes it difficult to tease out cause and effect, so targeting both areas is key to maximizing improvement.<\/p>\n

Sleep and Emotional Regulation<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Getting proper rest helps us regulate our emotions. Poor sleep leads to a shorter emotional fuse and more intense reactions to negative situations. We default to automatic behaviors, those that require less cognitive reasoning, which also tend to be more selfish and biased. Sleep negatively impacts attention and concentration, so we are more impulsive and less likely to pick up on social cues when underslept. We have a harder time accurately reading faces, experience more conflict and have less empathy for those around us. When we do not get adequate sleep, our emotional intelligence takes a deep dive and impairs our ability to get along well with others.<\/p>\n

Sleep, Loneliness and Social Isolation<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Loneliness and social isolation increase mortality, and as such are important markers of health. A person who does not sleep well is less likely to engage with others. There is a natural reflex to withdraw, and that distance then makes the person less attractive to others \u2013 so that often others fail to reach out to them. Loneliness creates stress and anxiety that contribute to further disruptions in sleep. This sets up a cycle that reinforces itself. In the 2019 State of America\u2019s Sleep survey<\/a>, poor sleepers were 1.77 times as likely to have difficulty in social situations as those who were rated excellent sleepers.<\/p>\n

Talking to Your Healthcare Team about Your Mood<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

The CDC estimates depression may affect up to 16 million adults in the United States each year, and 1 out of every 6 people will experience symptoms of depression over the course of their lifetime. A good indicator that it\u2019s time to talk about your mood with your healthcare team is if you have been feeling down, blue or hopeless for longer than two weeks and have lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy. Your clinician will take a thorough history of your mood disturbance, including how it has impacted your energy, sleep, appetite, feelings of worth, concentration and activity level. If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or others, please seek help immediately.<\/p>\n

Talking to Your Healthcare Team about Your Sleep<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

Troubled sleep (both not enough or<\/em> too much) is a sign of depression. If you are dissatisfied with your sleep, bring it up with your provider. Keep a sleep diary leading up to your visit so you have some data to share. Sleep disorders put you at greater risk for mood alterations and can have a major impact on your well-being. Find a sleep specialist who can help evaluate, diagnose and manage these conditions.<\/p>\n