Is Taking a Sleep to Alleviate Depression a Real Practice?

Depression Naps: Fact or Fiction?

Depression and sleep are intricately linked, with one often exacerbating the other. A 2019 study found that napping can be beneficial in interrupting a person's hyper-focus on sad faces versus happy ones in the context of emotional information processing in depression. However, a study in 2017 suggests that daytime napping might increase the chances of experiencing depression.

People with higher depression scores have been found to have superior recall ability after a nap, compared with those with lower depression scores. This could be due to the frequent daytime naps in people suffering from depression, caused by disruptions in sleep regulation and low energy levels linked to depressive symptoms.

Excessive daytime sleepiness, or hypersomnolence, is a symptom commonly associated with depression and other mood disorders. Hypersomnia has been closely associated with suicidal ideation and nonfatal suicide attempts in both adolescents and adults.

More than 90% of people with depression report feeling fatigue. Treating symptoms of fatigue and insomnia might require treating depression. It's important to note that medical conditions that result in sleep disturbance, such as obstructive sleep apnea, might be more common among people also living with depression.

The exact relationship between sleep and depression is complex and multidirectional. Sleeping too much can increase the chance of experiencing psychiatric disorders and higher body mass index (BMI). On the other hand, poor sleep hygiene can worsen depression symptoms.

Good sleep hygiene practices include maintaining a sleep-wake schedule, staying away from electronics before bedtime, using the bed only for sleeping and intimacy, getting up for a quiet activity if you can't sleep, creating a pre-bed relaxation routine, keeping your bedroom comfortable and quiet, avoiding heavy foods, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime, limiting food before bed to light snacks, and working with a service animal if needed.

Speaking with a mental health professional can help in treating the underlying cause of depression naps - depression. Online support groups, local groups, and telephone support lines can offer new ways to learn coping strategies from those who share your experience.

Despite the ongoing research, it's still unclear whether depression naps are helpful, harmful, or maybe a little of both. The term "depression nap" was popularized by social media, but understanding the complex relationship between sleep and depression requires a holistic approach, considering both the physical and mental aspects of these conditions.