This is one of many ways that social demands and physiological needs can be out of sync. But ambitious schedules are not the only enemy of sleep. The common psychiatric problems of anxiety and depression are notorious for depriving people of sleep. In addition, persons prone to nightmares may develop sleep phobia and sleep avoidance. So begins a vicious circle.
Psychiatric disorders interfere with sleep, and lack of sleep intensifies symptoms.
Depression disrupts sleep Depression is especially challenging. In the context of depression, then, more sleep is not restorative. To boost the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, Hobson recommends regular exercise. Depending on the source of interference, a wide range of other psychiatric medications may also be helpful. But Hobson emphasizes the downside of drugs.