Depression and insomnia are often linked. Depression can lead to insomnia, just as insomnia can induce depression. Some 80 % of depressed people experience insomnia. According to research conducted by Michael Perlis, Ph.D. , insomnia may actually be a warning sign of depression. Perlis, who is an associate professor of psychiatry and psychology at the University of Rochester and director of the behavioral sleep medicine service, published study results in a 2003 issue of Psychology Today magazine to the effect that insomnia pre-dates depression by about five weeks. Perlis believes that, due to a complex mix of chemistry and behavior, disordered sleep may actually bring on depression, setting in motion an array of forces in the nervous system that result ultimately in a depressive episode. Treating the insomnia may ward off the ensuing depression. (Perlis, et al, 2003, ‘The Depression and Insomnia Connection’. Psychology Today Magazine.
Jul/Aug 2003).