Long-term impaired sleep can also be brought on by chronic drug or alcohol use as well as by excessive use of beverages containing caffeine and abuse of sleeping pills. Return to top of page Anxiety, depression, and sleep Many of those who have severe problems sleeping report a high level of emotional distress. 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.