Can sleeping more (or less) really help keep away depression?
Here is the science behind it all:
Here is the science behind it all:
Pre 20th century, depression was described many different ways by people with conflicting points of view, but more modern scientists have discovered that chronic depression isn't caused by a blood disorder, for example, or any other inaccurate theories that have been developed over the course of time. The real culprits are little chemical neurotransmitters located in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical associated with feeling happiness, and if the brain isn't giving off enough of it through these neurotransmitters, it can cause extreme sadness, irritability, a dullness, or the outlook that things can never get better (even though they can!).
How it works is that this serotonin neurotransmitter sends the actual chemical message, serotonin, to different neurons in the brain. Depending on the amount it sends, it can affect the person's overall daily life and activities.
Serotonin can be a cause of depression, but not the only one. Studies have shown that people with depression have a smaller hippocampus- part of the brain that stores and controls memories and emotions- than per-say "normal" people. This can be due to a lack of developing brain cells in that area of the brain. The longer a person with depression goes on without being treated, the smaller the hippocampus has been known to shrink.
How it works is that this serotonin neurotransmitter sends the actual chemical message, serotonin, to different neurons in the brain. Depending on the amount it sends, it can affect the person's overall daily life and activities.
Serotonin can be a cause of depression, but not the only one. Studies have shown that people with depression have a smaller hippocampus- part of the brain that stores and controls memories and emotions- than per-say "normal" people. This can be due to a lack of developing brain cells in that area of the brain. The longer a person with depression goes on without being treated, the smaller the hippocampus has been known to shrink.
As you can see, this is an image of the neurotransmitters sending the chemical message of serotonin. The image on the left is an example of a normal amount of serotonin being sent to neurons, while the right is lacking which can cause a form of chronic depression if it continues to do so. One of the most important questions when discussing depression is,
Is It Treatable, and how?
Though people with depression feel like there's no way out, it's quite the contrary! Once diagnosed, there are serotonin supplements and antidepressants that doctors can prescribe based on the individual patient's needs. There is also the option of psychotherapy and/or counseling.
Scientists and doctors have looked into the study of the hippocampus in people suffering from depression and have found that not only an increase in serotonin can help relieve symptoms, but neurogenesis proved in some cases to have a better effect. Neurogenesis is the growth of more neurons (brain cells), in this situation, the neurogenesis would be taking place in the hippocampus.
The remedy doesn't always have to be prescribed though, some things can be fixed in daily routines and at home that can help lighten the mood a bit!
- Eating healthy- Though cliche sounding, eating right does improve your mood. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself!
- Exercise- Exercise, though physically beneficial, can help depression too. It is not only a distraction from depression,but physical labor can cause the brain to release more "feel good" chemicals, overall improving your mood.
- Regular Sleeping Patterns- So the title of this article is "A Nap a Day Keeps Depression Away?" and though a nap in itself won't necessarily keep away depression, (I just liked the clever title^-^) a regulated sleep pattern can make a big difference. Why? Well because, as Dr. Matthew J. Edlund said in his article "Want to Treat Depression? Get People to Sleep" that without proper sleep,
"The body looks and acts like it is shutting down. Immunity does not respond well to new bacterial and viral threats. Appetite derails—going up or down, sideways, becoming erratic. Fatigue begins and deepens. Eventually cognition—the ability to think, reason, solve problems—declines or plain disappears. Then people experience the misery of despair which cannot see its own end. They feel that they will never get better, and there is nothing that will make them better."
Therefore, lack of sleep causes the body and mind to basically shut down. By regulating sleeping habits, some of these things can be prevented.
- One last thing to help depression at home is keeping busy in general.By keeping busy, whether with friends, reading books, work, school, etc. you can keep your mind off of some of the stress factors of depression.
Remember:
Check out this short video for more information!
This information was provided by the following:
http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/serotonin
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20032977
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-rest/201311/want-treat-depression-get-people-sleep
http://genomind.com/the-science-behind-the-test/
http://www.medicaldaily.com/science-depression-biology-behind-darker-mind-299078
