Treating Insomnia May Cure Depression

Treating insomnia significantly improves depression, a study finds. The study included 66 patients. They received 4 sessions of talk therapy over 8 weeks. During these sessions, patients got specific instructions on how to improve their insomnia. They did not get sleep medicines. After two months, patients who slept better after the therapy showed a significant improvement in their symptoms of depression. Poor sleep can lead to depression. And depression can cause insomnia. This study suggests that insomnia may contribute to depression. Researchers from Ryerson University in Toronto conducted the study. It has not yet been published. It was funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). This study confirms the findings of another small study. Other studies on sleep and depression are under way. They are also funded by the NIMH.