How Do Sleep Patterns Influence Depression?

When it comes to depression and sleep, the relationship tends to mimic a chicken-and-egg situation. It can be difficult to tell which one came first and which one followed. 

Inadequate sleep can lead to declining mental health and ultimately result in mood disorders. On the other hand, depression can impact quality and quantity of sleep. 

If you live with depression, it can be beneficial to understand the link to sleep. The more you know, the more you can find the appropriate help and recovery spot. 

What Are Sleep Patterns?

A sleep pattern is the schedule of your sleep and wake cycle. This can vary from person to person and is largely influenced by your genetics. Your lifestyle does factor in to some degree as well.

The standard rule of thumb is to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night, depending on your age. Most people sleep at night and are awake during the day. This is decided for many due to social norms.

Your sleep-wake cycle is determined by your circadian rhythm, or your built-in internal clock. 

Circadian Rhythm and Mood

Your circadian rhythm controls important bodily functions including wakefulness, metabolism, digestion, hunger, healing, hormone secretion, and memory formation. 

Any irregularity in your circadian rhythm can negatively influence your ability to sleep and regulate your mood. Take into account people who operate on a non-traditional schedule, like night shifts or shift work. They are more susceptible to having processes become out-of-whack and, in turn, develop mood disorders like depression. 

Depression and Sleep

The relationship between sleep and depression can get complex. Depression can disrupt sleep or cause significant sleep disturbances. Sleep disturbances, on the other hand, can worsen symptoms of depression. 

Insomnia and hypersomnia occur when people get too little or too much sleep. They are often characterized with depression. Studies have shown that roughly 15% of those with depression suffer from hypersomnia and 20% have sleep apnea. Up to 80% experience insomnia bouts with their depression. Likewise, about 40% of people with insomnia report suffering from depression. 

REM sleep abnormalities, either a shortened time in REM sleep or too-frequent periods of REM sleep state, are often associated with depression.  It can lead to low energy, irritable moods, and reduced interest in activities that once were pleasant. 

Night Owl

One of the more common sleep habits is called being a night owl. If you sleep in a little bit later and are up later in the evening, this would be you. 

Research continues to prove that those on a slightly altered sleep schedule from the norm, like that of a night owl, are more likely to experience disruption in sleep. One reason for this is the fact that night owls operate socially in a morning person’s world. 

Pushing the limits of normal rest and sleep can increase the likelihood that depression can develop. 

Morning Lark

For those who wake up earlier in the morning and go to bed at a reasonable time in the evening, you would be considered a morning lark. When it comes to depression, you’re less likely to be affected on this sleep schedule. 

One reason for this is that you’re more inclined to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day throughout the week, rather than having a differing weekday-versus-weekend schedule. You also have the opportunity to take in more sunlight hours collectively, which is a natural form of treatment when it comes to depression. 

If you’re suffering from depression symptoms or experiencing sleep disturbances that may be causing you some mood changes, contact us to learn more about the connection and options for depression therapy.