Sleep patterns and the risk for unipolar depression: a review

tterns and the risk for unipolar depression: a review Review (2928) Total Article Views Authors: Wiebe ST, Cassoff J, Gruber R Published Date May 2012 Volume 2012:4 Pages 63 - 71 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S23490 Received: 14 January 2012 Accepted: 22 March 2012 Published: 29 May 2012 Sabrina T Wiebe, Jamie Cassoff, Reut Gruber Attention, Behavior and Sleep Laboratory, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal; McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada Abstract: Psychological disorders, particularly mood disorders, such as unipolar depression, are often accompanied by comorbid sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, restless sleep, and restricted sleep duration. The nature of the relationship between unipolar depression and these sleep disturbances remains unclear, as sleep disturbance may be a risk factor for development, an initial manifestation of the disorder, or a comorbid condition affected by similar mechanisms. Various studies have examined the impact of sleep deprivation on the presence of (or exacerbation of) depressive symptoms, and have examined longitudinal and concurrent associations between different sleep disturbances and unipolar depression. This review examines the evidence for sleep disturbances as a risk factor for the development and presence of depression, as well as examining common underlying mechanisms. Clinical implications pertaining to the comorbid nature of various sleep patterns and depression are considered.