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Insomnia May Lead to Depression

April 1, 2008 – A 20-year study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine indicates that insomniacs have an increased risk of developing major depression. Depression is a risk factor of insomnia and insomnia could increase depression risk.
The study included 591 people who were interviewed six times over a 21-year period. It found that 1 out of 5 of the participants reported having sleep problems lasting for at least one month.
The researchers indicate that they found that having insomnia for at least 2 weeks increased the likelihood that the person would have a major depressive episode.
The findings of this and other studies show that insomnia is not just a symptom of depression, but an independent condition that often accompanies depression.
Source: SLEEP, April 1, 2008
(Michelle Uhri)