Introduction
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. While there are many factors that can contribute to depression, a new study has found that sleeping too much or too little can be a major factor. The study, which was published in the journal Sleep, found that people who slept more than nine hours or less than seven hours a night were more likely to experience depression. The study also found that people who had irregular sleep patterns were more likely to experience depression. This article will discuss the findings of the study and provide tips on how to get better sleep to reduce the risk of depression.
Sleeping This Way Can Lead to Depression, Study Shows
A new study published in the journal Sleep has found that people who sleep in a certain way may be more likely to suffer from depression. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan, looked at the sleeping habits of over 1,000 adults and found that those who slept on their stomachs were more likely to suffer from depression than those who slept in other positions.
The study found that people who slept on their stomachs were more than twice as likely to suffer from depression than those who slept in other positions. The researchers believe that this may be due to the fact that sleeping on your stomach can lead to a decrease in the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, which can lead to an increase in stress hormones and a decrease in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.
The researchers also found that people who slept on their sides were less likely to suffer from depression than those who slept on their stomachs. This may be because sleeping on your side can help reduce the amount of pressure on your chest and abdomen, which can help reduce stress hormones and increase serotonin levels.
The study also found that people who slept on their backs were the least likely to suffer from depression. This may be because sleeping on your back can help reduce the amount of pressure on your chest and abdomen, which can help reduce stress hormones and increase serotonin levels.
The researchers concluded that people who sleep in certain positions may be more likely to suffer from depression. They suggest that people who are prone to depression should try to sleep in positions that can help reduce the amount of pressure on their chest and abdomen, such as sleeping on their sides or backs.
If you are struggling with depression, it is important to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your symptoms. There are many treatments available that can help you manage your depression and improve your quality of life.
If you feel unrefreshed after a night’s sleep, you may have sleep apnea, and the position you’re sleeping in may make it worse. “Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common problem that affects a person’s breathing during sleep, during which air cannot flow normally into the lungs,” say the authors of one big sleep apnea study. “The blockage in the airflow is usually caused by the collapse of the soft tissues in the back of the throat (upper airway) and the tongue during sleep.” The authors found that sleep apnea can have dangerous repercussions. Read on to discover 4 symptoms and see what sleeping position makes it worse—and learn what you can do about it. And to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
If you wake up from snoring, from your breathing stopping, or you find yourself gasping for air in the middle of the night, you might have sleep apnea. The study, which studied Saudi-based airline pilots, determined “screening for workers of this high-risk occupation needs to be considered. Fatigue, depression, and insomnia can be secondary consequences of sleep apnea and should be assessed and treated early.” Makes sense. “If you have obstructive sleep apnea, tissues in your throat relax during sleep, periodically blocking your airway, causing breathing interruptions that disrupt sleep,” reports Harvard Health. And that’s not the only symptom.
“One-third of participants had some problems initiating or maintaining sleep (insomnia),33% had tiredness and fatigue,35.9% had depression, while 23.1% were excessively sleepy during the daytime,” say the study’s authors. Even if you are able to fall asleep, the apnea can wake you up, making it difficult to fall back asleep again.
RELATED: This Surprising Habit Can Stave Off Dementia, Says Study
The study’s authors noted depression. A study a few years back found the same thing to be true. “Patients with OSA have impaired health and their psychosocial health and daily performance also decrease,” wrote the authors. “Because disturbed sleep can cause poor concentration, mood problems, anxiety, and MDD”—that’s major depressive disorder—”these factors are also the part of poor daytime performance.”
RELATED: If You Feel This, You May Have COVID Now
“Sudden drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea increase blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system. Having obstructive sleep apnea increases your risk of high blood pressure (hypertension),” says the Mayo Clinic. “Obstructive sleep apnea might also increase your risk of recurrent heart attack, stroke and abnormal heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation. If you have heart disease, multiple episodes of low blood oxygen (hypoxia or hypoxemia) can lead to sudden death from an irregular heartbeat.”
RELATED: Over 60? Stop Doing This ASAP, Say Experts
To keep your airways open, sleep on your side or on your stomach—that will help mild apnea. For more serious conditions, talk to your doctor. You may need a CPAP machine, which keeps a steady flow of oxygen coming into your nose and mouth, so you breathe normally. “CPAP treatment has been shown to improve the depressive symptoms associated with OSA,” say one study’s authors. “CPAP therapy also improves the quality of life for OSA patients.” If that does not work, there are surgical procedures that might. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.