Sleep problems and mental illnesses are closely linked.

Sleep and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder, are intimately connected. So much so that many researchers believe that they have common biological causes. Sleep problems are more likely to affect patients with psychiatric disorders than people in the general population. Sleep loss is also associated with significant effects on mood and behavior.

Studies show that 65% to 90% of adult patients and 90% of children with major depression have some kind of sleep problem. More than one-half of insomnia cases are related to depression, anxiety or psychological stress. Insomnia is caused by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep or waking up too early in the morning.

About one in five insomnia sufferers have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Obstructive sleep apnea is present in approximately one-fifth of those who experience sleep problems due to chronic insomnia (OSA). Sleep apnea and its symptoms have been shown to be associated with major depression regardless of factors such as weight, age, sex or race. A large study by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention found 63% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea also have depression.³

Sleep and Mental Health go hand in hand. Treating insomnia or other sleep problems may help alleviate symptoms of mental health issues.

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¹Baldwin DC Jr, Daugherty SR. 2004. Sleep deprivation and fatigue in residency training: Results of a national survey of first- and second-year residents. Sleep 27(2):217–223.
²Strine TW, Chapman DP. 2005. Associations of frequent sleep insufficiency with health-related quality of life and health behaviors. Sleep Medicine 6(1):23–27.
³Wheaton AG, Perry GS, Chapman DP, Croft JB. Sleep Disordered Breathing and Depression among U.S. Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2008. Sleep. 2012 Apr 1; 35(4): 461–467.