Sleep Disorder Treatment for Sleep Problems and Depression

Details on effective sleep disorder treatment for sleep problems with depression. Covers depression sleep medications and self-help for better sleeping with depression.

Treating sleep disorders occurring with depression is handled in a number of ways, including lifestyle changes. Often as the depression improves, so does the sleep disorder, and the reverse can also be true.

Depression Sleep Medications

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed as they can treat both depression and the sleep disorder. Primarily, these are SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants, but your doctor may prescribe other types as well. Sedative-Hypnotics (sleeping pills) are also commonly prescribed for accompanying sleep disorders. Frequently prescribed drugs include:

• Prozac
• Celexa
• Paxil
• Trazodone
• Ambien
• Lunesta
• Sonata

Self-Help Strategies for Better Sleeping with Depression

Creating the right sleep environment and developing good sleep habits are crucial for anyone wishing to obtain quality sleep. Sufferers of depression may wish to take additional steps to improve their sleep :

• Using behavioral therapy to learn about creating positive thought and sleep patterns.
• Relaxing and doing quiet activities before bedtime. Meditating, reading a book or listening to soft music are good choices.
• Creating a "worry" or "to-do" list. Keep a pen and paper by your bed to write down any thoughts that concern you or make you anxious. Putting these thoughts down on paper frees your mind to focus on relaxation. Items on the list can be looked at in the morning.
• When in bed, take deep breaths and focus on relaxation. Center your thoughts on pleasant or neutral subjects.

References:

¹ No listed author. Mental Health and Depression Statistics depression-guide.com. Accessed Aug. 3, 2010, http://www.depression-guide.com/depression-statistics.htm

² No listed author. Sleep and Depression WebMD. Accessed Aug. 3, 2010, http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-sleep-disorder