Chronic Insomnia Doubles the Risk of Depression

Stating that chronic insomnia, which affects the quality of life of the person, can lead to situations such as restlessness, irritability, and reducing the level of endurance, experts point out that people with insomnia have twice the risk of developing depression compared to those without sleep problems. It is of great importance to treat the underlying causes of insomnia. Stating that sleep disorders are common in children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, experts said that sleep disorders worsen ADHD symptoms.

World Sleep Day is celebrated annually by the World Sleep Association on the Friday before the Spring Equinox. World Sleep Day, which will be celebrated on March 19 this year, aims to reduce the burden of sleep problems on society by drawing attention to sleep disorders and preventing and managing sleep disorders.

Üsküdar University NP Etiler Medical Center Psychiatrist, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Faculty Member Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol made evaluations about the chronic insomnia problem in a statement she made on the occasion of World Sleep Day.

Insomnia decreases tolerance

Stating that sleep is indispensable for mental and physical health, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said that sleeping for insufficient time and / or poor quality sleep due to problems falling asleep and maintaining sleep is considered "insomnia.

Stating that chronic insomnia can trigger some psychological problems, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol continued: “Insufficient sleep can make it much more difficult to cope with even relatively minor stressors. Simple daily challenges can turn into great sources of frustration. The person becomes more restless due to insomnia, he may get angry easily, his endurance level may decrease and he feels that he is affected more quickly by daily troubles. "

Chronic insomnia doubles the risk of depression

Stating that chronic insomnia can cause depression and anxiety disorder, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol emphasized that recent studies show that lack of sleep causes depression.

Noting that according to these studies, people with insomnia were reported to have twice the risk of developing depression than those without sleep problems. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, “People with anxiety tend to experience more sleep disturbances, but experiencing insomnia can also contribute to anxiety. This can become a cycle that perpetuates both sleep and anxiety issues. In addition, long-term insomnia appears to be a risk factor for developing anxiety disorder, ”he said.

Insomnia makes it difficult to cope with emotions

Stating that insomnia may cause exacerbation and worsening of many psychiatric diseases, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol stated that insomnia and other sleep problems will increase the risk of developing depression. “Depressive patients with insomnia or other sleep disorders are more likely to think of suicide and die by suicide than depressive patients who can sleep normally. Lack of sleep can make it difficult to cope with feelings of anxiety. Therefore, poor sleep can make symptoms of anxiety disorders worse, ”he warned.

Insomnia is very common in bipolar people

Explaining that sleep disorders are very common in people with bipolar disorder, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol noted that such problems may include insomnia, irregular sleep-wake cycles and nightmares. Asst. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol gave the following information: “Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating periods of depressive (depressive) and rising (mania) mood. Sleep changes may be a symptom of the condition, but sleep problems may also play a role in the course of the condition, treatment outcomes, and an individual's overall quality of life. Insomnia can also cause the euphoric symptoms we call mania / hypomania. "

Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder also causes insomnia

Stating that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric condition affecting 6% of children aged 17-5,3 years, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, “Studies report that sleep disorders are common in children with ADHD and that sleep disorders worsen ADHD symptoms. Children with ADHD may experience a range of sleep-related problems, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, difficulty waking up, breathing problems while sleeping, waking up at night, and daytime sleepiness. It has been found that interventions that improve sleep can help improve the severity of ADHD symptoms, ”he said.

Nicotine use can also lead to insomnia

Stating that chronic insomnia can have many causes, Assist. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol noted that respiratory system diseases, heart failure, diabetes, reflux, hyperthyroidism, painful conditions, menopause, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, Parkinson's Disease are among the important causes.

Emphasizing that alcohol use, some drugs, nicotine and substance use also cause insomnia, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol warned that “sleep quality and duration may be impaired due to reasons such as working in shifts, not being physically active, taking frequent naps during the day, and having inadequate physical conditions for sleep”.

The underlying cause of insomnia should be treated

Noting that the treatment changes according to the cause of insomnia, Asst. Assoc. Dr. Fatma Duygu Kaya Yertutanol said, “But first, the person should follow the sleep hygiene recommendations. In addition, the underlying cause needs to be treated. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to correct wrong thoughts and behaviors related to sleep and some behavioral adjustments. Drug treatments are also used when necessary, ”he said.