In a recent story, The Straits Times points out the link between insomnia and depression in Singapore. One new study shows that improvements in sleep patterns are often linked to a corresponding improvement in mental health conditions. Discover how better sleep can slow or stop the onset or worsening of depression and other mental problems.
A Study of Insomnia
Sleep issues have traditionally been viewed as a symptom of the underlying mental distress. However, according to Professor Daniel Freeman of Oxford University, that may not always be the case. “Really, sleep is one of the contributing causes,” he explains. Professor Freeman served as a co-author for the study, which employed an online survey method to monitor the sleep habits and mental health of a large group of college students.
The survey participants totalled 3,700, and they were divided into two separate groups. One group was not treated for the insomnia at all, while the other group went through an online course featuring cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. Both groups involved in the study went through assessments at the beginning of the period, as well as at the 3-week, 10-week, and 22-week intervals.
The Results of the Research
The CBT course consisted of six sessions, each one just 20 minutes long. The sessions were designed to reconfigure mental processes and help students fall asleep and stay asleep rather than battling insomnia. After going through the CBT course, the students in that group experienced great improvements in their sleep patterns. According to the 10-week assessments, the insomnia struggles of these students had improved by 50 percent. Paranoia fell by 25 percent, and hallucinations dropped by 30 percent. The levels of anxiety and depression were also much lower for these students after the cognitive behavioural therapy.
Future Applications for Mental Health
“We now know that if you treat the insomnia, it reduces depression,” says Professor Freeman. “Insomnia can be treated, and not only does the distressing sleep problem improve, there are benefits to your psychological health.”
Young people with psychosis, paranoia, or depression in Singapore might be more willing to seek help for their insomnia, since there is less social stigma associated with a sleep problem. As a result of improvements in the sleep department, the mental health issues would likely also improve.
Hope for Insomniacs with a Psychiatrist in Singapore
When your body is exhausted, it’s harder to stave off those feelings of sadness, darkness, and depression. After a number of nights with adequate sleep, you can begin to hallucinate, and you may feel that you are losing your mind; but don’t give up! At Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic, you can see a Singapore psychiatrist who will evaluate your condition and suggest treatment to help you sleep better and regain your mental balance. With a healthy sleep cycle and some additional therapy with your psychologist in Singapore, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your mental health.
News Feed from Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic
Source: Straits Times, 12 Sept 2017
