Mood disorders and sleep disorders are extremely common among adults and teens. While mood disorders and sleep disorders can occur independently, research shows that people who struggle with one disorder often have problems with the other disorder, too. Understanding the relationship between mood disorders and sleep disorders is critical for getting effective treatment.
At Bowman Medical Group in Beverly Hills, California, our team helps patients get help for both sleep disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, so they can break the cycle that can make both disorders worse. In this blog, our providers explain the bidirectional relationship between these conditions.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression, anxiety, and similar disorders affect about 10% of the adult population every year. The institute also reports that nearly 15% of adolescents struggle with mood disorders yearly.
When it comes to sleep disorders, the National Institute of Health reports that as many as 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, and about a third of Americans report not getting adequate sleep on a regular basis.
Unfortunately, poor sleep is a risk factor for developing depression and anxiety. And, equally as unfortunate, poor sleep can be a symptom of depression and anxiety.
The interrelationship between mood disorders and sleep problems makes a lot of sense, because each condition can trigger the other.
Mood disorders can cause a lot of anxious and negative thoughts that can interfere with your ability to relax and fall asleep (or stay asleep). Furthermore, data show that people who suffer from mood disorders, such as depression, have changes in slow-wave sleep, which is essential for deep, restorative sleep.
Conversely, research shows that irregular sleep habits can lead to emotional health problems. A lack of sleep could make it harder to manage your moods and your emotional responses, and it could interfere with your ability to cope. This means if you’re not consistently getting a good night’s sleep, your risk of developing a mood disorder increases.
The key to successfully treating mood disorders and sleep disorders is to understand that often, neither condition exists on its own. Our skilled providers take a comprehensive, whole-patient approach to care, performing a series of evaluations aimed at identifying multiple factors that could be playing a role in your health.
Based on those evaluations, we work with you to develop a care plan that helps you not only feel better, but achieve your own goals, too. If we determine that you’re suffering from both sleep problems and mood disorders, your plan will address both issues.
Many patients benefit from a combination of therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and medication. Your plan will be designed exclusively for you and geared toward your personal success.
The new year is a time for fresh starts, and that means it’s the ideal time to make your own emotional health a top priority. Understanding the link between sleep problems and mood disorders can help you spot symptoms earlier and get the treatment you need to feel better.
If you notice any sleep problems or unexplained mood issues, don’t ignore the symptoms. Instead, call 310-933-3501 to book an appointment with Bowman Medical Group today.
