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Why Does Depression Cause Insomnia?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2015
Question: Why does depression cause insomnia?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vipul Prajapati (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Due to serotonin and nor epinephrine disturbance

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

Thank you for your query.

First of all insomnia is one of symptoms of depression so the reason behind insomnia is serotonin and nor epinephrine level disturbance.

In depression and insomnia the level of serotonin and nor epinephrine is decreased in synaptic cleft between neurons .

Due to neurotransmitter disturbance there are symptoms like low mood, lack of interest, agitation or retardation, fatigue, anxiety symptoms like anxiety, perspiration, restlessness etc which secondary cause sleep disturbance due to autonomic system activity.

Sometimes in depression hypersomnia is there instead of insomnia.

Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vipul Prajapati (5 minutes later)
For the last year I have suffered anxiety. Now all of a sudden I cant sleep. I have a pineal cyst that my neuro says is NOT the cause of the sleep problem. However on rare occasions I do sleep, anxiety goes away. So I dont know i should be treated for depression or neuro
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vipul Prajapati (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Insomnia is due to depression not due to neuro.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

Pineal cyst is not the reason behind your sleep problem.

It may be possible that you may have anxiety again and sleep disturbance is the primary symptom of anxiety.

So I suggest you to consult your psychiatrist for mental status examination to rule out anxiety or other problem.

Is there any addiction you have?

Is there any medication you are taking or any stimulants?

Awaiting your response.

Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vipul Prajapati (7 minutes later)
I take no medication but have tried sedatives like xanax, benadry, chanomile, & melatonin they do not help w sleep. Even if I am relaxed I dont sleep. Is that bc its depression? I see psychiatrist today
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vipul Prajapati (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it may be due to anxiety or depression

Detailed Answer:
HI dear,

It may be due to depression or anxiety.
If you are not getting sleep with sedatives like clonazepam or other, you need to anti anxiety or anti depressant medication.

Even if you are relaxed due to anxiety in subconscious mind your sleep is disturbed.

No need to worry.

Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vipul Prajapati (54 minutes later)
Are there antidepressants that also help w sleep
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vipul Prajapati (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes it helps.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

Antidepressant medicines helps you to regulate sleep.

So for regulation of sleep you need to start antidepressant or anti anxiety medicines.

It may be possible that in initial period you need benzodiazepins for sleep.
Consult your local psychiatrist for the same.

Thank you
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vipul Prajapati

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 849 Questions

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Why Does Depression Cause Insomnia?

Brief Answer: Due to serotonin and nor epinephrine disturbance Detailed Answer: Hi dear, Thank you for your query. First of all insomnia is one of symptoms of depression so the reason behind insomnia is serotonin and nor epinephrine level disturbance. In depression and insomnia the level of serotonin and nor epinephrine is decreased in synaptic cleft between neurons . Due to neurotransmitter disturbance there are symptoms like low mood, lack of interest, agitation or retardation, fatigue, anxiety symptoms like anxiety, perspiration, restlessness etc which secondary cause sleep disturbance due to autonomic system activity. Sometimes in depression hypersomnia is there instead of insomnia. Thank you