8. Depression and anxiety
Changes in sleep patterns is actually an often missed sign of depression. “Many people who are depressed experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. If sleeplessness is accompanied by other symptoms such as mood changes, disinterest in previously enjoyable activities, unexpected weight gain or loss, or thoughts of suicide, one should seek mental health evaluation by a doctor or therapist,” says Ameshia Arthur, a licensed clinical social worker and therapist in Sacramento, California.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can also lead to sleep troubles, she says. “Common indicators of GAD are restlessness and difficulty sleeping. If sleeplessness is accompanied by excessive worry, muscle soreness, and irritability, one should seek mental health evaluation by a doctor or therapist,” Arthur says.
