A recent study from The University of Western Australia indicates that treating insomnia may alleviate symptoms of depression. Led by Vanika Lall, alongside Clinical Associate Professor Melissa Ree and Emeritus Professor Romola Bucks, the research published in Behaviour Research and Therapy reveals significant improvements for participants suffering from both conditions.
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"As many as nine in 10 people with depression also have disturbed sleep," Lall noted. She explained that insomnia can exacerbate depression and may hinder the effectiveness of depression treatments. Leaving insomnia untreated can increase the likelihood of depression returning. Although treatments for depression can sometimes help with insomnia, they are not always fully effective.
The Sleep Well for Mood study focused on individuals experiencing both depression and sleep disturbances, providing cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). This structured, short-term approach addresses unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, integrating cognitive therapy, behavioral strategies, and sleep education. The study involved 88 participants who underwent a four-week CBT-I program, with assessments conducted before treatment, after, and at a three-month follow-up.
Results showed significant reductions in insomnia symptoms, and participants reported engaging in less negative thinking, experiencing fewer worries about sleep, and increasing their participation in meaningful activities, including physical and social engagement. "Negative thinking and an inactive lifestyle fuel depression," Lall remarked.
The findings suggest that CBT-I is a time- and cost-effective method for addressing both insomnia and depression, improving fundamental factors contributing to depression in real-world settings. The authors advocate for greater adoption of CBT-I, which could enhance depression care and support long-term recovery while alleviating the strain on healthcare systems.