Difficulty sleeping and morning blues could be signs of depression

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Sunday October 15, 2006

Neuss, Germany- Difficulty falling asleep at night, waking up early and feeling physically and emotionally down in the morning are common complaints among people suffering from depression. "People with depression often suffer from an inability to fall asleep and an inability to sleep through the night," said Christa Roth-Sackenheim of the German professional association for psychiatrists in Neuss.

They feel unable to shut their bodies and minds down for sleep and sometimes develop a downright fear of the night, which for them is only a time to lie awake and think.

In the course of a day, there is often an improvement over the way the person felt in the morning.

"However, the patient lacks motivation, energy and stamina due to the poor quality of sleep," said Roth-Sackenheim, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist.

The patient also often has headaches and back and neck pain for which no organic cause can be found. Circulation problems, tightness in the chest and problems in the digestive track are other symptoms of depression.

"As such physical symptoms are not unusual, other causes often are suspected," said Roth-Sackenheim.

But people with these problems should take into consideration the possibility of a psychological problem.

© 2006 dpa German Press Agency