In depressed people, an overwhelming feeling of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt can be associated with abnormal sleep patterns. Often, the depressed person awakens early and cannot return to sleep. Yet, sometimes, just the opposite is true. Some depressed people find relief in sleeping. They deny or escape from the problems of living.
Many depressed people complain of insomnia without recognizing that they are depressed.
If you have lost interest in activities you used to enjoy or if you have feelings of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, your sleep problems may be a result of depression. Discuss the problem with your physician, who may recommend mental health counseling. When the depression is treated, the accompanying sleep problems usually disappear. Insomnia is a complex problem, not given to simple solutions. Most experts agree that the following are the first steps to obtaining better sleep.