Bridges to Recovery

Insomnia Raises Risk Of Depression In Elderly

Are you elderly and suffering from mild sleeplessness or even full-blown insomnia? If so, then you might want to pay attention as it could be the harbinger of depression.

Trying to Find the Connection

In separate studies conducted, researches have found evidence of a strong link between depression and insomnia. The first of these studies was conducted by Dr. Michael Irwin, professor of psychiatry at UCLA. In the study as reported on PsychCentral, Dr. Irwin and his team attempted to confirm three different hypotheses:

1. The risk of depression would be higher among those elderly who've had it before.
2. Mild cases of sleeplessness could act as a herald of recurring depression.
3. Sleeplessness in its various forms can act as an independent agent in triggering recurring depression.

His study found all three these hypotheses to be true as "Insomnia is the most frequent sleep disturbance in depressed patients and is viewed as a symptom of current depression" according to Dr. Irwin on the PsychCentral website. He further added that sleeplessness is often associated with normal ageing as health declines and is therefore "frequently overlooked during routine doctor visits". In conclusion Dr. Irwin stated the need for the development of medicines that target sleeplessness to avoid the recurrence of depression among the elderly.

Another study, as reported in an Bridges to Recovery published by the MLA American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2008, April 4) titled "Insomnia May Perpetuate Depression", patients with ongoing insomnia were more likely to suffer longer bouts of depression than those who managed to get a good night's sleep. The study, conducted by Dr. Wilfred R. Pigeon, an assistant professor of psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York, found that insomnia acted as a contributor to both first time cases of depression and recurring states of depression. And again, as with Dr. Irwin's study, Dr. Pigeon mentions that "What seems most likely is that insomnia is simply a symptom in some cases but clearly a disorder requiring its own treatment focus in other cases.”

Finding A Natural Solution for Insomnia Bridges to Recovery

For many elderly the remedy would be to simply buy over-the-counter sleeping aids or medications. However they might do more harm than good as their use is solely intended for a short-term management of insomnia. There are, in fact, no FDA approved medications for the long-term treatment of insomnia.

There is however a growing trend among those suffering from insomnia to revert to alternative medicines for treating their sleepless nights, something which seems to suggest that Mother Nature has shown yet again that she is indeed one step ahead of us.
Herbal Insomnia Remedies

Melatonin- Melatonin is created within the body from serotonin when exposure to light decreases and is often taken by those suffering from shifts in their natural sleeping pattern. A number of medical professionals do advise against the use of melatonin by those already diagnosed with depression and typically not longer than three months.

Valerian -Valerian is perhaps one of the more successful combatants of insomnia and is sold over-the-counter for this purpose in a number of European countries including Germany, France and Belgium. It is again advised that this herbal remedy not be taken for more than three months at any one time.

For those disinclined to take any form of medication, techniques such as yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation may serve best and has been proven to not only supply its practitioners with sound sleep but also a better quality of life. In addition, the importance of eating the right foods, especially among the elderly, can't be stressed enough. Cutting down on refined sugars and caffeine is at the top of the list for Bridges to Recovery. Instead, eating foods that are rich in magnesium and carbohydrates are known to encourage sleep.

Keep in mind that it is always recommended that you seek professional medical advice before taking any of the suggested types of medication.

Bridges To Recovery

Bridges to Recovery (www.bridgestorecovery.com), one of California's only deluxe inpatient residential treatment centers, is designed for those suffering from psychiatric disorders who seek top quality treatment in a distinguished setting. The Center has proven so popular that it recently applied for and acquired a license to provide 6 additional beds at its facility.

For years, America has been fascinated by the frequent trips that the Hollywood elite have made to substance abuse treatment programs. Because of the level of publicity surrounding many of these cases, Americans have become reasonably well educated about "rehab" and as a result, many treatment centers have emerged to treat individuals who are serious about getting sober but prefer a non-institutional and comfortable environment. But for those who suffer from psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, depression, post- traumatic stress disorder and other disorders, they have been confined to choose between the traditional and inevitable hospital-based programs.

Bridges To Recovery, located in the beautiful Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles, has been working to bring quality care to these individuals in a home-like, upscale environment. "Often, people with serious psychiatric disorders are left with no other option except hospitalization. At Bridges To Recovery, we believe that by providing accommodations to which the patient is accustomed, a better treatment outcome is possible because the patient is more likely to complete the program," said John Sharp, M.D., and Executive Medical Director of Bridges to Recovery.

The Center's approach has proven so popular that it recently had to apply for an additional license so that it can meet rising demand. "We are pleased to be in a position where we needed to ask for permission to help more people," said Dr. Sharp. "We have always known there was a market to provide high quality care with first rate surroundings."

Bridges to Recovery's treatment program combines intensive, individual psychotherapy along with group therapy in order to provide in depth and holistic, integrated treatment. A top-notch clinical team provides a careful assessment of each patient and then collaborates with the patient to set therapy goals and design an appropriate treatment plan. Clinicians working with the patient consult with one another regularly to assess progress towards the goals, and to set up appropriate discharge plans to help the patient achieve a positive outcome.

"We know from years of experience that some people with psychiatric disorders need a safe residential environment in addition to intensive psychological therapy in order to get better," said Dr. Sharp. "Our patients and their families want the highest quality care in a comfortable environment, and that's what we try to do at Bridges to Recovery," he added. "And we have really noticed a difference", Dr. Sharp concluded.

For more information about Bridges to Recovery, contact Donna Bernstein at (877) 212 0706

Bridges to Recovery

Bridges to Recovery is a treatment center in Pacific Palisades, California - we specialize in the treatment of individuals who suffer from mood or personality disorders.

Treatment areas:
Bipolar Disorder
Anxiety Disorder
Depression
Schizophrenia
Multiple Personality Disorder
Phobias
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)
And more...

All off the patients who live in our luxurious houses are prescreened and approved by our staff, to provide residents with the most relaxing and safe environment in which to grow and heal.