Insomnia can be a stand-alone condition, or it can be associated with a mental health condition. People who have mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders may be more likely to have insomnia. It’s also common among people who have substance use disorders. It’s estimated that 40% to 50% of individuals with insomnia also have another mental health condition. Insomnia can be associated with medical and neurological disorders. Some medications can cause insomnia as well. 

Insomnia can affect the same parts of the brain that are involved with mental health conditions. People who have insomnia may notice cognitive difficulties, heightened anxiety and negative emotions. They may also have a more intense response to stress. Sleep loss has a reciprocal relationship with many mental health conditions. Some examples include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These conditions can make it harder to get enough sleep, and lack of sleep makes symptoms worse. Other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and narcolepsy, can also affect mental health.

Understanding how insomnia impacts your mental health and vice versa can help you find treatments and care for yourself. In this article, we’ll share six ways insomnia may intersect with other mental health conditions. 

6 ways insomnia intersects with mental health conditions

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) is the resource used to diagnose mental health conditions in the United States. It includes criteria for insomnia. By definition, a person who has insomnia has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at least three nights a week. For a diagnosis, the problem must persist for at least three months. It must cause distress or impairment despite the opportunity to sleep.

Research has shown that insomnia is a separate condition from other psychiatric disorders. Treating the other conditions usually isn’t enough to relieve insomnia. People benefit from separate treatments targeting their insomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is one such approach. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is another practice that helps with both insomnia and mental health symptoms.

The following are six ways insomnia may intersect with other mental health conditions:

• Depression and insomnia — Insomnia on its own can be a risk factor for depression. It can also be a symptom that shows up along with other depression symptoms. Insomnia is listed as a symptom of depression in the DSM-5-TR. However, for the best treatment outcomes, it should be treated separately. Some people who have depression tend to oversleep, which is called hypersomnia.
• Anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances — Anxiety symptoms can include a fast heartbeat, muscle tension and feeling on edge. The symptoms can be worsened by insomnia. Hyperarousal from anxiety conditions can also make it hard to sleep. Treatment for co-occurring anxiety and insomnia focuses on interrupting the cycle of sleep loss and anxious thoughts. 
• Bipolar disorder and sleep pattern disruptions — People who have bipolar disorder feel a decreased need for sleep during manic or hypomanic episodes. It can lead to a “crash” when they’ll feel exhausted and need lots of sleep to recover. Insomnia can also be a stressor that leads to mood episodes. For people who have bipolar disorder and other mood conditions, staying on a regular sleep schedule can help reduce symptoms.
• PTSD and nighttime hypervigilance — People who have PTSD may experience hyperarousal and nightmares. Both issues affect their ability to get enough sleep. Sleep disruptions due to insomnia can make it harder for people with PTSD to manage their stress responses and anxiety. Sleep disruptions are especially likely to come up when people receive trauma treatment. Clinicians should ask about insomnia and address sleep issues as they come up. The American Psychological Association recommends screening PTSD patients for insomnia.
• Psychotic conditions and insomnia — Many people who have schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and related conditions also have insomnia. Individuals who have these conditions may experience disruptions in their circadian rhythm and the way they progress through sleep stages. Some antipsychotic medications can help with these symptoms. Clients should also receive CBT-I or other treatments for insomnia.
• Substance use and sleep disruption — Alcohol is often one of the first things many people turn to when they’re unable to sleep. While it can be effective at inducing a light sleep, the quality of sleep suffers. Using alcohol to get to sleep often can contribute to long-term health problems, including substance use disorder. Insomnia may be a risk factor for alcoholism, and sleep problems often emerge during recovery. Comprehensive treatment for alcoholism should address insomnia as necessary.

Treatment at Lightfully addresses health conditions and co-occurring insomnia 

Insomnia isn’t just a symptom of mental health disorders. It can be both a cause and an amplifier. It creates a complex cycle that requires comprehensive treatment. Your life stressors, medical history and medications are just a few factors that can make it hard to get a good night’s rest. For the best treatment outcomes, you should seek treatment from a clinician.

At Lightfully, we provide holistic mental health treatment for the whole person. Our licensed clinicians help each client learn to manage their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. Each person comes out of treatment with a proactive self-care plan. It includes solutions for their unique needs and symptoms, including insomnia.

Are you ready to try a new approach to caring for your mental health and your insomnia? Contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today. Let’s talk about how we can get you sleeping soundly so you can make the most of your mental health treatment.