Understanding and Addressing Depression-Related Excessive Sleep

Depression is a medical condition with symptoms of low appetite, sleep disorder, weight changes, chronic sadness and loss of pleasure. Severe forms of depression can include sleeping all day.

Identification

• Admit that depression is affecting daily functioning. Excessive sleep with the inability to get out of bed is a prominent symptom of major depression.

Considerations

• Seek out a health professional. Speak with your physician or meet with a therapist to develop a treatment plan for your excessive sleeping.

Take Action

• Commit to a treatment plan. This may include taking a prescribed antidepressant, regular therapy and an exercise plan. Excessive daytime sleep may resolve naturally as a secondary effect of healing from depression.

Prevention and Solutions

• Establish a structured routine. Erratic schedules, meal times and irregular bedtimes can disrupt sleep patterns. Developing a regular, healthy sleep cycle is significantly helpful in resolving depression.

Effects

• Avoid caffeine, sugar or other stimulants in the evening. This will have a positive effect on being able to sleep at night instead of during the day. Schedule activities to be accomplished during the day, so that you're too busy to sleep until evening.