Flourish Health & Wellbeing Magazine May 25 - Flipbook - Page 37
Taking care of your mental and
emotional wellbeing is essential, and
understanding how your sleep affects
your mood can be a key part of feeling
better. This article gently explores the
connection between depression and
sleep, offering supportive insights and
suggestions. If you’re finding things
tough, know that you’re not alone, and
there are resources and professionals
ready to help.
I Haven’t Slept Well for Years but Don’t
Think I’m Depressed.
It’s possible to struggle with sleep without
having depression. Many people with
insomnia lead lives free from depression,
and there could be other reasons behind
your sleep di昀케cul琀椀es. If sleep issues
persist, consider looking into common sleep
disorders and other poten琀椀al factors that
might be a昀昀ec琀椀ng your rest.
Should I Cut Out All Caffeine and Alcohol?
I Think I’m Depressed; How Do I Know?
If you o昀琀en feel hopeless, helpless, or
sad, it might be more than just a passing
phase. You could be experiencing clinical
depression, which may also show up as low
energy, a lack of mo琀椀va琀椀on, or changes
in how you sleep and eat. Some琀椀mes,
feelings of shame, guilt, or low self-esteem
are part of this picture. Remember, clinical
depression is a serious condi琀椀on—it goes
beyond the occasional “blue” mood. If
you’re unsure about your feelings, please
consider speaking with your doctor.
When I’ve Slept Well, I Don’t Feel
Depressed. What Does This Mean?
You might no琀椀ce that a good night’s sleep
can brighten your mood. While depression
and sleep issues are di昀昀erent, they can
some琀椀mes feel closely connected. If you
昀椀nd that your mood improves a昀琀er a res琀昀ul
sleep, it may be a sign that working on your
sleep habits could help. It’s worth exploring
ways to improve your sleep quality and
overall wellbeing.
Ca昀昀eine and alcohol can some琀椀mes disrupt
your sleep, so reducing your intake might
help improve your sleep quality. Small
amounts can be 昀椀ne but try to avoid these
substances at least four hours before
bed琀椀me. Keep in mind that ca昀昀eine is
not just in co昀昀ee and tea—it’s also in cola
drinks, chocolate, and other foods. Being
mindful of your consump琀椀on can make a
posi琀椀ve di昀昀erence.
What Can Be Done About Insomnia and
Depression Occurring Together?
If you’re experiencing both insomnia and
depression, Cogni琀椀ve Behavioural Therapy
(CBT) might be a helpful approach. A
sleep psychologist can work with you to
understand how your thoughts, feelings,
and behaviours a昀昀ect your sleep, and
teach you strategies that you can use long
term. Many people 昀椀nd that combining
CBT with other treatments, including
some琀椀mes an琀椀depressants, o昀昀ers the
best support. Your GP can help guide you
to the right specialist.
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