Insomnia is a common condition affecting individuals of various ages. It is diagnosed on the basis of a self-reported complaint of poor sleep quality concomitant with daytime disturbances. If left untreated, insomnia is associated with a number of adverse health outcomes (N. Grima, 2019). Insomnia is a common and treatable disorder that can have serious daytime consequences, including fatigue, memory impairment, and impaired quality of life. It is often associated with other conditions such as pain, depression, anxiety, and substance dependence. The disorder is characterized by over-engaged arousal systems, leading to increased metabolic rate, body temperature, and heart rate (Roth, 2007).
Mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of overall well-being, encompassing cognitive, emotional, and social elements (Richardson, 2020; Adam, 1971). It is not just the absence of mental illness, but also the ability to cope with life's challenges and contribute to one's community (Adam, 1971). Factors such as stress, depression, and anxiety can significantly impact mental health, underscoring the importance of maintaining a balance in life activities and responsibilities (James, 2020).
There is a common correlation between mental illness and insomnia. Research suggests that a troubled mental state plays a role in more than half of insomnia cases. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder are commonly linked to sleep problems, including insomnia.
Insomnia can be a symptom or a trigger of other psychiatric disorders, and it can also be comorbid with these disorders, increasing the risk of psychiatric relapse. The relationship between insomnia and mental illness is complex, with both conditions often occurring together, and each can worsen the other.
Insomnia can be caused by mental illness, as they often coexist and have a complex relationship. Approximately 50% of insomnia cases are related to depression, anxiety, or psychological stress. Insomnia can lead to or worsen mental health conditions, such as depression, and vice versa. Here are some mental health conditions commonly seen with insomnia:
- Depression
Insomnia is a core symptom of depression, with approximately 90% of people with major depressive disorder (MDD) reporting insomnia-related sleep problems. People with insomnia may develop depression more often compared to those who sleep well.
- Anxiety
According to a 2020 study, up to 36% of participants with insomnia had anxiety. Insomnia is the most common sleep disturbance associated with anxiety disorders, and poor sleep quality is seen in adults with anxiety disorders.
- Bipolar Disorder
Sleep problems are associated with bipolar disorder, and treating insomnia can be an important part of treating and preventing the condition.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Insomnia can be associated with OCD, and treating the sleep disorder can help alleviate OCD symptoms.
- Schizophrenia
Disturbances in sleep patterns are present in as many as 80% of people with schizophrenia, which often results in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning.
The relationship between insomnia and mental illness is bidirectional, meaning that both conditions can cause each other or worsen each other. Treating insomnia can lead to positive outcomes, not only by alleviating symptoms and moderating comorbid disorders, but by preventing new episodes. It is essential to address both the sleep disorder and any underlying mental health conditions for comprehensive treatment.
There is a close link between insomnia and various mental health conditions, and treating insomnia can be an important part of treating and preventing mental health conditions. For instance, insomnia is a risk factor for depression, and people with insomnia are twice as likely to develop depression as those without sleep problems. Therefore, while insomnia is not always directly caused by mental illness, there is a strong association between the two. It's important to address both the sleep disorder and any underlying mental health conditions for comprehensive treatment.
Sources :
https://doi.org/10.31128/AJGP-12-18-4780