Why depression makes you tired?

Depression is a mood disorder that often results in feelings of sadness. The disorder can impact emotions, thinking, and behavior. Depression also has some physical symptoms. Left untreated, depression can become debilitating and interfere with daily life and overall well-being. Depression isn’t a weakness or something that a person can shake off. Frequently, long-term treatment is required.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Anxiety or feelings of worry
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Fatigue, tiredness, and lack of energy
• Sleep difficulties like insomnia and hypersomnia
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Anger and irritability
• Feelings of guilt, sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness
• Slow thinking and body movements
• Difficulty thinking and remembering things
• Trouble focusing
• Thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts
• Physical aches and pains without a medical explanation

If you’re experiencing thoughts of suicide, visit your nearest emergency center or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Among the common symptoms are insomnia and fatigue. Depression may cause the sleep cycle to be disrupted and may result in having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. When a person is unable to get restful sleep, fatigue and exhaustion may result. This tiredness can lead to other problems within depression, including a lack of motivation, having difficulties completing basic activities or tasks, slower thinking and movement, and problems concentrating.

Sleep disturbances contribute to various other health issues, aside from the contribution that it makes to depression and some of its other symptoms. Regulating sleep can serve as both a protective measure and a powerful lifestyle-based treatment component for depression and various mental health issues.

To improve sleep quality and potentially support the improvement of related depression symptoms, you can:

• Set a regular sleep and wake time
• Avoid naps when possible
• Turn off electronics an hour before you plan to go to sleep
• Use blue light blocking glasses for the few hours before you go to bed, which may help your brain produce melatonin needed for sleep
• Create a bedtime routine that helps you relax
• Talk with your doctor about your symptoms of fatigue and depression

Depression is commonly treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Talk with your doctor about your depression and your symptoms of fatigue and tiredness. Your doctor will rule out other potential causes for fatigue and provide you with recommendations for medical treatments that may be helpful.