Sleep and Insomnia Treatments
If you’re feeling down or struggling with depression, getting a good night’s sleep might be the last thing on your mind. But did you know that there’s a strong relationship between sleep and depression? In fact, poor sleep is a common symptom of depression, and studies have shown that improving your sleep can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
How Sleep Affects Depression
When we sleep, our brains and bodies undergo a number of important processes that help us function at our best during the day. These processes include repairing and rejuvenating our cells, consolidating memories and learning, and regulating our mood and emotions. When we don’t get enough sleep or our sleep is disrupted, these processes can be disrupted, leading to a range of negative effects on our physical and mental health.
For people with depression, sleep disturbances are particularly common. In fact, insomnia is a symptom of depression for many people, and it can be difficult to break the cycle of sleeplessness and low mood. When we don’t get enough sleep, we may be more prone to negative thoughts and feelings, and we may find it harder to cope with stress and challenges.
How to Improve Sleep and Reduce Depression Symptoms
Stick to a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Develop a routine that helps you relax before bed. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music.
Create a comfortable sleep environment: Make sure your sleep environment is conducive to sleep. This includes a comfortable mattress and pillows, a cool and dark room, and minimal noise and distractions.
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake: Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol in the hours leading up to bedtime as they can disrupt sleep.
Avoid screen time before bed: The blue light emitted by electronic devices can suppress the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. Try to avoid using devices like smartphones and tablets for at least an hour before bedtime.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality, but avoid exercising close to bedtime as it can increase alertness and make it harder to fall asleep.
Practice relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm the mind and promote relaxation before bed.
Avoid large meals close to bedtime: Eating a large meal close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. Try to eat a light snack instead.
Get exposure to natural light: Exposure to natural light during the day can help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
Seek professional help if necessary: If you have persistent difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, consider seeking help from a medical professional. They may recommend therapies or medications that can help improve sleep.
Sleep and Study Providers
Nebraska Medicine Sleep Disorders Center
4014 Leavenworth St Level two
Omaha, NE 68105
(402) 552-2286
Methodist Hospital Sleep Center
515 N 162nd Ave #103
Omaha, NE 68118
(402) 354-0825
Midwest Sleep Center
8019 Cass St.
Omaha, NE 68114
(402) 390-0606
Advanced Dental Sleep Treatment Center
11919 Grant St #140
Omaha, NE 68164
(402) 493-4175
Sleep Supply Center the Midlands
11011 Q St # 101C
Omaha, NE 68137
(402) 493-7533
Total Sleep Center
2510 Bellevue Medical Center Dr.
Bellevue, NE 68123
(402)991-7832
CHI Health Sleep Center (Midlands)
11111 S 84th St.
Papillion, NE 68046
(402)593-3771
CHI Health Sleep Center (Lakeside)
16909 Lakeside Hills Ct Medical Office Building One, Ste 110
Omaha, NE 68130
(402) 758-5530
CHI Health Sleep Center (Immanuel)
6829 N 72nd St Medical Office Building One Ste 6100
Omaha, NE 68122
(402) 572-2744
Tracking your Sleep
Sleep is crucial for good physical and mental health. Poor sleep quality can worsen physical and mental performance and is correlated to depression. Please use the following log to track your sleep to get a better understanding of where your sleep struggles lie.