Sleep and depression: this is what it does to you and tips

An average adult needs between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. Some people simply cope better with less sleep than others. When you have depressive symptoms, you may sleep very little for a long period. This is often due to worrying and thinking when you are in bed. Besides poor sleep, reduced concentration is also a consequence of depressive symptoms.

Read more about falling asleep problems in our blog: Falling asleep problems; these are the causes and how to get rid of them!

However, it can also be the case that you sleep too much during a depression. This is because, for example, you don't want to get out of bed or because you feel listless and tired. Sleeping too much can cause a depression to last longer. During a depression, sleeping a lot often works counterproductively.

If you suffer from poor sleep due to depression, the weighted blanket can provide a solution. The pressure you feel from the weight of the weighted blanket on your body is comparable to a firm hug, which relaxes your nervous system. Your body essentially surrenders to the comfort and warmth you experience.

This pressure is called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) and is exactly the reason why the Novaline weighted blankets work against sleep problems caused by depression. Due to the continuous, pleasant pressure you feel on your body, your body switches to relaxation mode. This helps you fall asleep more easily, sleep more deeply, and wake up feeling relaxed.

1. Create more structure

If you want to sleep better, you first need to tackle your depression. A good way to do this is by bringing more structure into your life. Set a fixed time to get out of bed and stick to a planned schedule.

Furthermore, a healthy lifestyle helps with depression and thus also with a good night's sleep. Therefore, avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, and do not eat a heavy meal right before going to sleep.

2. Stay active

Besides eating healthy, exercise is also very important for a healthy lifestyle. It is recommended to move at least 30 minutes every day. Think of a long walk, for example. But it is also nice to go running or push yourself in the gym.

3. Ensure distraction

You do this tip with friends, but sometimes it is good to distract yourself. Do some work for a while or go on outings with friends. Contact with other people is crucial when dealing with depression.

4. Daylight

Make sure to get enough daylight. Between 10:00 and 15:00, your body produces vitamin D from daylight. This creates a happiness chemical in your body that helps fight depression.

Depression does not go away on its own, but you have to work hard yourself to tackle it. The best method varies per person, but talking about it is very important.

Some people find talking with family and friends sufficient, while others need a conversation with a psychologist.

With depression, it is very important to stay active, take good care of your body, and stay in contact with other people. If you withdraw, you will notice that the gloom increases. Always seek help from a general practitioner or a specialist when dealing with depression, so you get the right support.

We hope this article provides clarity about sleep problems related to depression. If you have any questions, you can always contact us. We are happy to help you.