Posted by Cam W. on August 6, 2001, at 11:46:09
In reply to 24 hour sleep deprivation for depression?, posted by nutsy on August 5, 2001, at 17:46:01
Nutsy - There is some scientific evidence that sleep deprivation for 24h does have some temporary antidepressant effect. In depression, especially the situational (reactive) sub-type. The internal wake/sleep clock is disrupted by the depression, leading to the insomnia. Staying awake 24h seems to (temporarily) reset this clock, relieving some other depressive symptoms, as well as the insomnia.
A slower way to try to reset your internal clock is to try to go to bed an hour earlier than you had been with the insomnia. For example, if you can't get to sleep until 2am, then do some tiring activity at about 8pm (to give your body time to let the adrenaline from the exercise to metabolize) and try to head to bed at midnight, hoping to be asleep by 1am. Every couple of nights move the time you exercise and sleep by an hour. This can work in some instances of depression with insomnia.
You also have to make sure that you get up an hour earlier each time you adjust your bedtime.
This is not easy; I have tried it and it does seem to temporarily work, but taking zaleplon (Starnoc™ or Sonata™-sp?) or other hypnotic is easier. But, if you are into real "natural" therapies, the above is an option.
my 2˘ - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:73688
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010804/msgs/73784.html