Are Insomnia and Depression Linked?

Do you struggle to fall asleep or find yourself waking up too early and feeling drained during the day? You might be surprised to learn that this could be more than just a few bad nights - it could be insomnia.

Many people experience trouble sleeping from time to time, but what they don’t realise is that they may meet the diagnostic criteria for insomnia disorder, even if they don’t identify themselves as having a sleep problem.

Sleep isn’t just important for feeling rested, it plays a major role in mental health. In this post, we’ll explore what insomnia is, how it’s linked to depression, and what you can do if you think you’re affected.

‍

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get quality sleep, even when you have the chance to do so. It can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and unfocused during the day.

To be diagnosed with insomnia, these symptoms must occur at least three times a week and last for at least three months, causing significant distress or problems in daily life.

Many people mistakenly believe they just sleep badly, and don't realise they could be experiencing a diagnosable condition.

According to the NHS, around one in three people in the UK will have episodes of insomnia at some point in their lives. It’s not just a nuisance; it can seriously impact your physical and mental health.

‍

The Link Between Insomnia and Depression

Insomnia and depression are closely connected. In fact, insomnia is both a symptom of depression and a risk factor for developing it.

Studies show that people with insomnia are four times more likely to develop depression compared to those who sleep well (source: Harvard Medical School).

It’s a two-way street:

• Depression can cause insomnia by making it harder to switch off racing thoughts or manage daily stress.
• Insomnia can lead to depression by affecting mood-regulating chemicals in the brain and reducing your ability to cope with everyday stress.

Ignoring insomnia may worsen or even trigger depressive episodes. That’s why addressing sleep issues early can play a vital role in protecting your mental wellbeing.

‍

Signs You May Have Insomnia (and Not Know It)

You might not realise your sleep struggles fit the criteria for insomnia. Here are some common signs:

• Lying awake for long periods at night
• Waking up multiple times and struggling to get back to sleep
• Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
• Daytime tiredness, irritability, or trouble concentrating
• Worrying about sleep or dreading bedtime

If these issues persist for weeks or months, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP.

‍

What Can You Do About It?

If you’re struggling with sleep and your mood is low, there are several options:

• Speak to your GP: They can assess whether you’re dealing with insomnia, depression, or both, and suggest appropriate treatments.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): This is the first-line treatment for insomnia and is more effective than sleeping tablets in the long run (source: NICE Guidelines). Sleepio is a CBT-I treatment that works with you to develop a personalised insomnia treatment plan, empowering you to challenge negative thought patterns, establish healthy sleep habits, and enjoy restful nights of sleep.
• Routine and sleep hygiene: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, reduce screen time before bed, and create a calming bedtime routine.
• Treat any underlying mental health conditions: Sometimes, treating depression or anxiety helps improve sleep patterns.

‍

In summary, insomnia and depression often go hand-in-hand, creating a vicious cycle that can be hard to break. You don’t need to suffer in silence or brush off your sleep problems as "just stress." Understanding the signs and seeking help early can make a big difference to your sleep and overall mental wellbeing.