Depression and sleep

[RBclimber]

I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder last year. Let’s just say it was rough year but I’ve had a lot of improvement since, but still struggle with low periods. 

I’ve had a Fitbit charge 3 for a couple months now. My favorite feature is waking up and seeing my sleep patterns, they are always interesting, because they change drastically from week to week and with mood cycles. 

My average for REM last month was 15% and my deep sleep was a sad 8% (both stats are lower than average). 

But what’s been really interesting is that I go into REM sleep first, rather than deep sleep. I started looking into this, and according to research, people suffering from depression tend to have early onset REM and often too much.

Even when they are in remission.*

Last week I had a low week leading up

to my  menstrual cycle (which always zaps me into a deeper low). Sure enough my REM sleep was very active and early and deep was very low. Following the conclusion of my cycle, I started following a more “normal” pattern with deep sleep initiating first and REM coming later. My deep sleep amounts are terrible tho, last night I clocked lovely 12 min and that was following a late night out the previous night. Besides the low deep sleep, I noticed my mood is better and I believe it shows in my the sleep data.

Anyone else seeing swings like this? 

[FitnessPizza]

This happens to me if I am depressed. Except that for me, I tend to sleep more. This is not necessarily a good thing, but it does happen. 

[RBclimber]

For sure. I have a hard time falling asleep because my head won’t shut off, then I have trouble getting up. When I was really depressed, I was taking naps every afternoon, never in my life have I been a napper. 

[MeganScott51IVR]

only thanks to music I was able to get rid of depression

[DavideFitbit]

Welcome to the Community forums @MeganScott51IVR! 

It's incredible what music can do, it always puts me on a good mood and a positive mentality. 😀

[Oliver88]

Hello everybody! I had a similar problem. I couldn't sleep for a long time. What do you think about the help of medications in this case?

[helenalancaster]

Hi, everybody. About 4 months ago, I experienced insomnia. I just couldn't sleep, although I exhausted myself both physically and psychologically. I honestly didn't know what to do. This made me angry because I was constantly tired and irritated due to lack of sleep. When I became very ill, I still decided to see a neurologist. I couldn't sleep because of a nervous system malfunction. The doctor advised me to take kratom capsules. After a few days of taking the medication, I was able to sleep for several hours. I ordered it on the site because you can't find it everywhere. I hope my experience will help you.

[DavideFitbit]

Welcome to the Community forums @Oliver88, I think medication is part of the treatment for some people, but it's rarely the only thing required to get out of a state of depression, this is what most of the people suffering from depression agree on. It can be a long process to feel better, but there are definitely a number of factors to take into account. 

Thank you for sharing your experience with this @helenalancaster! And welcome to the Community forums as well.  

[SamToSam]

Hello! I had the same problem and it all worked out when I got another girlfriend😂

Generally, the reason for insomnia is very commonplace it is a sign of fear, anxiety. As I read in one book about psychosomatic: the only way to sleep well and soundly is to learn to trust: trust yourself, people, life.

[DenBik]

I had bad sleep swings since April, it got harder for me to sleep at night, and would only sleep at sunrise. I was very stressed and would wake up with panic attacks. I don't know tho if mood swings cause sleep swings or it's the opposite. But it's a vicious cycle.. Now it's getting better. I focused on going to bed early and disconnecting from anything work-related that would be stressful at least 2 hours before going to bed. This includes putting my phone on airplane mode. 

[DenBik]

That's nice advice. Trust. 
That's what would give you peace. 

[vasilievnaaaa]

sleep better

[banksmabel]

I understand your problem perfectly. Recently, I have had frequent problems with sleep. Sometimes for several days, terrible insomnia.

[banksmabel]

Poor sleep has a terrible effect on well-being and performance. In fact, you feel empty. And it can't help but upset during the day. As I mentioned above, I had trouble sleeping for a while. It got to the point that I could not sleep for two days and walk around with terrible bruises under my eyes. When the situation reached a critical point, I decided to contact the counselling service. I came across good specialists who worked with me on the problems that cause insomnia. As it turned out, it was based on nerves and psyche.
Therefore, I advise you to solve it now.

Moderator edit:  format

[OwenHemmings]

Terrible situation

[DenzelNoup]

I support the opinion of the commentator above. Problems with sleep should not be ignored since sleep greatly affects the state of mental and mental health. During sleep, short-term memory turns into long-term memory. Thus, all the day's experiences are processed, and in the morning, you are essentially "reborn". I also learned this and many other things related to sleep by contacting the counselling service. Before that, I, like you, did not assume that sleep is so important. I hope you solve this problem as soon as possible!

[TiffanyBecker]

maybe you are worried about something at work / school? The guys that wrote earlier are right, you should see a doctor. and another question. despite the indicators, are you fast asleep? do you feel good in the morning? because of course fitbit is good, but not ideal in measurements))

[lauravarez]

Your story hooked me because I have faced such problems, too. I thought it was the end of life, and I would never get over it all.

[YojanaFitbit]

Lack of sleep is linked to a number of unfavorable health consequences including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and depression. Some psychiatric conditions can cause sleep problems, and sleep disturbances can also exacerbate the symptoms of many mental conditions including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. I'm not sure if it has to do with REM time but it's a really difficult topic. Good to know that you've improve your sleep and you're taking care of yourself. 

@RBclimber it would be great if you could update your situation now.

See you around.

[ArchieMedworth]

it's just awful, I have such a problem..