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.