subject: Depression And Insomnia And Its Treatment [print this page] It is a common finding that insomnia and depression often exist at the same time.
It works the other way too - about 90% of people suffering from depression also suffer from sleep disorders. Whether insomnia or depression comes first is debated.
What is clear though, is that one important symptom of depression is insomnia. Some anti depression drugs will actually bring on sleep disorders.
Not sleeping well will naturally make life more difficult, and it seems straight forward to assume it might cause you to become depressed.
A big problem here is that for most of us it is hard to acknowledge that we may be suffering from depression, it is far easier to complain about our problems sleeping.
If you want to discuss problems sleeping, including insomnia, with your doctor, chances are that you will also have to discuss the possibility of you being depressed.
The first depression symptons can be seasonal - the person finds it difficult to sleep and feels "blue" during the winter, but when summer comes the problems just disappear.
A craving for carbohydrates is also quite commmon - which can lead to gaining weight. This is more common in northern countries with long and dark winters. Young women seem to be more affected.
This is known as "SAD", a very apt acronym, which stands for "Seasonal Affective Disorder". This condition can be effectively treated using artificial daylight.
The person affected basically sits in a room with very strong daylight adjusted lights, or has a set of lamps in front of him/her.. The light will force the body clock to synchronize with the 24 hour day/night cycle again.
What other natural depression help is there?
Here are two common remedies: St. John's Wort, a herbal remedy known for hundreds of years, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids, as found mainly in oily fish like salmon and sardines, for example.
Anti depressant foods are pretty much the same as foods to combat insomnia!
Sleep is important! If you suspect you may be depressed and have trouble sleeping - insomnia or other sleep disorders - try first natural treatments, assuming your problems are not severe.
