HomeAnswersPsychiatrymajor depressive disorderWhy do I have disturbed sleep and unwanted thoughts that wake me up in the middle of the night?

Can depression cause a disturbed sleep cycle and unwanted thoughts?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At September 8, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 18, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been unable to sleep properly for the past two years. I have disturbed sleep, and unwanted thoughts wake me up in the middle of my sleep. I was fine when I used medication for ten days. However, I had to discontinue them as I was affected by COVID-19. The complaint of disturbed sleep started again since two months.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I can understand your situation. You may have a major depressive disorder. There is non-pharmacological management for it; you should follow few guidelines to deal with it. You should exercise 30 to 45 minutes daily, like going for a walk, joining a gym, or swimming; it will boost your confidence. You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, sit in one place in a comfortable position and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not force yourself to stop your thoughts; just let them be. It will help you to relax. You should eat healthy home-cooked foods and avoid junk foods. You must drink enough water. You should spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are living away from your family. You should spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills, language, or musical instruments. You should sleep for seven to eight hours daily. You must avoid tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse. Live your life, do not just spend it. Be bold and confident. Do not be afraid of anyone. Stop overthinking. If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for four to six weeks, you need to restart your past medications.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Investigations to be done

I suggest you get CBC (complete blood count), thyroid profile and vitamin D3, and vitamin B12 levels checked.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi
Dr. Vishal Anilkumar Gandhi

Psychiatry

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