

Persistent irritability or mood swingsĭepression can cause us to experience outbursts and mood swings. This is because sleep helps regulate our hunger hormones, which help to keep us from over- or undereating.Ĥ. If you are noticing changes in your sleep habits, like the ones listed above, you may also notice changes in the way you eat. Some people may experience an increased appetite, while others have less of an appetite or may not be hungry at all. Our appetite and eating habits can also be impacted by depression. Sometimes, this creates a cycle where our anxious thoughts keep us awake and negatively impact our sleep, which then leads to more anxious thoughts. Missing out on quality, restful sleep can increase our anxiety levels and intensify feelings of distress. Other times, sleep changes can create bouts of insomnia, which can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep at night. Sometimes this means sleeping throughout the day, using sleep as a way to pass the time or preferring sleep to other daily activities. Changes in sleep can show up in a number of ways. The physical and mental exhaustion that comes with depression can also affect our sleeping habits. Depression can make us feel fatigued and physically drained to the point where even small tasks, like getting up in the morning or showering, can feel exhausting or difficult to do. However, if it has become difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed or get ready in the morning, this could be a sign of depression. It’s perfectly normal to enjoy sleeping in or spending time in bed.
