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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dave_fox on August 5, 2002, at 13:02:55
I know depression can affect sleep patterns and can cause people to sleep more or to sleep less.
But there is something which puzzles me. I have noticed in two separate people (who may or may not be depressed) that they spend many hours in bed. Perhaps 10 hours or so. They go to bed at 1am which is not all that late. Then they remain in bed until something like 11 . They might also go for a lie down in the afternoon. They have done this for at least a year or more.
When I ask them they say they are not sleeping. It seems they are sort of thinking. Or musing. kindof reflecting but without being very conscious of it.
Does this sort of sleep behavior tend to occur in certain mood or other psychological disturbances? I know that no indicator or symptom is certain to predict a given mental condition but I would like to understand what this sleep behavior might imply.
Posted by Squiggles on August 5, 2002, at 13:13:34
In reply to Help me diagnose this sleep behavior, posted by dave_fox on August 5, 2002, at 13:02:55
Well, it could be hypothyroidism, or
lethargy, or daydreaming, or avoidance
behaviour or just decadence. - my 2 diminishing
Canadian cents;Squiggles
Posted by bubblegumchewer on August 5, 2002, at 13:34:18
In reply to Help me diagnose this sleep behavior, posted by dave_fox on August 5, 2002, at 13:02:55
I spent lots of time in bed, while depressed and anxious, either sleeping or just avoiding being fully conscious. i.e., in the morning, I'd sleep late because it was the easiest and least painful thing to do. Unconsciousness was relatively pleasant.
During the day, I'd lie down saying I was trying to sleep. Lots of time I was just drowsy, but if I could get any relief from the thoughts that made me miserable during the day, i.e. being half-asleep, it was worthwhile to me.
While not depressed I tend to spring out of bed in the morning because I want to read the paper, turn on my computer, eat some breakfast, etc. and I don't think of returning to bed till I'm exhausted late and night and/or know I SHOULD sleep because I will have to get up early the next day.
Posted by oracle on August 5, 2002, at 17:58:14
In reply to Help me diagnose this sleep behavior, posted by dave_fox on August 5, 2002, at 13:02:55
There is not magic amount of hours that are needed for sleep. Some need 6, some need 10.
Most will know if they have gotten enough.
Posted by awake at last on August 6, 2002, at 12:07:28
In reply to Help me diagnose this sleep behavior, posted by dave_fox on August 5, 2002, at 13:02:55
> I know depression can affect sleep patterns and can cause people to sleep more or to sleep less.
>
> But there is something which puzzles me. I have noticed in two separate people (who may or may not be depressed) that they spend many hours in bed. Perhaps 10 hours or so. They go to bed at 1am which is not all that late. Then they remain in bed until something like 11 . They might also go for a lie down in the afternoon. They have done this for at least a year or more.
>
> When I ask them they say they are not sleeping. It seems they are sort of thinking. Or musing. kindof reflecting but without being very conscious of it.
>
> Does this sort of sleep behavior tend to occur in certain mood or other psychological disturbances? I know that no indicator or symptom is certain to predict a given mental condition but I would like to understand what this sleep behavior might imply.
***********************************************Since I was first diagnosed with Depression (and none of the medications helped), I later discovered that I was suffering from a Sleep Disorder (Narcolepsy) - now I am better.
From all my research I have found that there is definitely a major connection between sleep and depression, but which one is the causing factor isn't always diagnosed properly.
In all my readings, the research is very contradictive, some say that depressives are often insomniacs others say they sleep alot. Some say that sleep disorders cause a person to have insomnia or sleep excessively, both of which can cause depression.However you look at it. If a person is sleeping excessively or not sleeping, I feel they should go thorough a sleep study to rule this out as the cause of their depression.
As a side note - with my Narcolepsy, it was not unusual for me to do what I call "Zone out". I would sit and stare in space, not really thinking, not sleeping, and usually didn't realize that I had been doing it. I could drive from my house to work and not remember making the trip, though I know I got there had to have made all the right turns etc.... it's really weird and I never really thought about it until someone else pointed it out.
Posted by Squiggles on August 6, 2002, at 12:10:08
In reply to Sleep study - reveal/omit cause of depression... » dave_fox, posted by awake at last on August 6, 2002, at 12:07:28
Narcolepsy is a serious condition -
not just nodding off - i would see
a neurologist.Squiggles
Posted by awake at last on August 6, 2002, at 17:26:07
In reply to Re: Sleep study - reveal/omit cause of depression..., posted by Squiggles on August 6, 2002, at 12:10:08
> Narcolepsy is a serious condition -
> not just nodding off - i would see
> a neurologist.
>
> Squiggles************************************************
I agree and I'm very glad that I did - fortunately I don't have Cataplexy with my Narcolepsy (where I fall asleep laughing or talking - etc.), but that is why I was so hard to diagnose, this is the symptom that is most revealing and most people hear about.
Many sleep disorders cause or mimic depression symptoms, I learned this the hard way - now I try to let others know hoping it may help some....
This is the end of the thread.
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