Another Informative Article Discussing the Link Between Insomnia and Depression

This is a very informative article discussing how insomnia is not always just a symptom of depression, but often it is a precursor for depression. In other words, it is not always the result, it may be the cause, or at least a signal of what’s coming. Lots of information is packed in here, so if you or anyone you know has trouble with sleep, please check this out. Statistics are provided, as well as the specific problems associated with insomnia for adults, older adults, as well as children. Here is one paragraph:

"For many years, it was assumed that insomnia was produced by depression or, in diagnostic parlance, secondary to the depressive disorder," says Dr. Spielman. "This view was first challenged by a research study in the late 1980s that showed that individuals with insomnia and free of depression that were untreated were more frequently depressed one year later. Following this paradigm-shifting study, there have been seven other studies that have reached similar conclusions. It is now well established that insomnia is a risk factor for depression."

And another:

"Once depression has occurred, insomnia typically precedes recurrent bouts of depression," says Dr. Arand. "In addition, insomnia is a predictor of acute suicide among people with mood disorders. However, both depression and insomnia are treatable, and individuals experiencing either symptom should seek treatment."

And here is a part of the article providing recommended amounts of sleep, based on age:

It is recommended that infants (three to 11 months) get 14 to 15 hours of nightly sleep, while toddlers get 12 to 14 hours, children in pre-school 11-13 hours and school-aged children between 10-11 hours. Adolescents are advised to get nine hours of nightly sleep and adults seven to eight hours.

Many more facts and statistics are provided, more than enough to get people to take this seriously. Also included are sleep improvement recommendations. Once again, I cannot emphasize how good this article is. Please read it, and encourage others to as well.