Does Insomnia Make You More Likely to Develop a Mental Illness?

Does Insomnia Make You More Likely to Develop a Mental Illness?

Insomnia is not an isolated issue; it often coexists with mood disorders like anxiety or depression. Furthermore, insomnia makes it harder for individuals to process negative emotions, which could further aggravate these conditions.

Sleep is essential for our physical and emotional wellbeing. Not getting enough shut-eye can have detrimental effects on memory, thinking skills and stress management.

The connection between insomnia and mental health is intricate, involving genetic predisposition, provocation and perpetuation (see figure below). These factors may be genetically inherited or connected to substance use or other medical or psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety.

Provocations: People suffering from chronic insomnia are more likely to encounter stress-related sleep issues, such as a change in work or travel plans that interfere with their circadian rhythms – which control sleep-wake cycle and body temperature – during certain times of year. This cycle of insomnia and stress could exacerbate existing issues, so it’s essential to speak to a doctor about what’s causing your issues when it comes to sleeping.

Perpetuating Factors: People suffering from chronic insomnia are more likely to engage in behaviors that exacerbate their sleep issues, such as taking naps or trying to go to bed later. Furthermore, they may feel embarrassed to ask for assistance, making matters worse.

A mental health professional can assess your insomnia and identify whether it may be linked to a mood disorder. Treatment options for this type of insomnia may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.