The data showed a significant difference in sleep problems at various ages. There also was a significant association between sleep problems and subsequent depression a year later. In the study, however, not everyone with depression had sleep disorders. There are nine diagnostic criteria for a major episode of depression, and sleep is only one of those. As a matter of fact, being a woman over age 50 who is socially isolated, with a high school education or less, under financial stress, and physically disabled is a very good predictor of someone who is likely to become clinically depressed.
Women also report more depression than men, about twice as much.
People who have sleep problems should get them evaluated, Roberts adds. Beyond that, sleep problems may also be a marker for something fundamental going on in terms of psychosocial well-being, says Roberts. It could be underlying depression. Depression caught early is eminently treatable and sleep problems go away. Even if they are not depressed, there are things that can be done about sleep.