Symptoms of depression and sleep problems
You may be depressed if you have experienced 5 or more of the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks. People who are depressed will have at least one of the first two symptoms:
- Feeling negative, hopeless, or "down in the dumps." Children may seem irritable instead of depressed.
- Noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Feeling restless and unable to sit still
- Feeling tired all the time
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
- Inability to concentrate, remember, or make decisions
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Most people experience some form of depression at some point in their lives. Depression can range from a minor problem to a major, life-threatening illness. Depression is almost always treatable. For many people, treatment can mean a whole new life.
If feelings of depression are causing your sleep problems, work with your health professional to develop a plan to decrease your depression and promote sleep.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: December 8, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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