‘Sleep’ at Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life, Page 2

Many people seem willing to do almost anything to cope with sleep-deprivation and emotional stress, but when push comes to shove, they are turning to quick fixes in lieu of obvious solutions. Are you among the many who are ignoring fundamental steps to improve quality sleep and mood? It is well-known that sleep problems can be a key sign of depression. What people may not realize is that the reverse is also true: sleep disorders can actually trigger mood disorders and depression.

It is estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans chronically suffer from a disorder of sleep and wakefulness, hindering daily functioning and adversely affecting health and longevity. The cumulative long-term effects of sleep loss and sleep disorders have been associated with a wide range of deleterious health consequences including an increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, heart attack, and stroke.

No, that’s not to say that CBT will put you to sleep! Rather, an article carried on the APA’s PsycPort highlights studies indicating that cognitive behavioural therapy can improve sleep about as well as drugs can. According to the article, not only can talk therapy such as CBT help with sleeping problems, but its effects continue for many months — unlike the effects of drugs, where effectiveness is not known to continue after discontinuing the medication.

With 42 million sleeping pill prescriptions filled last year — up some 60 percent since 2000 — experts are warning that the drugs are being overused and may be encouraging doctors to overlook other causes of sleeplessness, such as depression. Behind the increased use of sleeping pills are advertising campaigns costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

Looking for information on sleep disorders like insomnia, narcolepsy, or restless legs syndrome — or just looking for tips on getting a good night’s sleep? Our new section includes sleep disorder resources, and we’ve added information on zolpidem tartrate (Ambien) to our Medications Centre.