Posted by dennison on October 4, 2001, at 22:31:59
In reply to Sleep deprivation as an anti depressant, posted by Alex01 on October 4, 2001, at 4:38:17
> Am wondering if anyone has any knowledge on why it might be that my usual depression/anhedonia anxiety problems are helped by sleep deprivation.
>
> If I am short of a few hours sleep I feel, for a day or two, much brighter, my mind is clearer and I feel more emotional (as distinct from normal flat nothingness), I even manage to cry, which I consider a an achievement.
>
> I do feel the usual tired symptoms, aching body, harder to concentrate etc but for a while it does great things for my mood and clarity of mind. After a day or two though I crash and just get tired.
>
> Is it endorphins? Something else? A Dr once said it was about the brain readjusting itself in some way. If there were a med which could replicate the effects I would be very interested.Hi--Sleep deprivation does indeed help depression it turns up the dopamine system and the effects are extremely similiarto psychostimulants (dex-rit) etc!!! Personally I use sleep deprivation my self and i've found it to be extremely effective . I notice the big improvement in the early morninghours and it continues throughout the day (as long as I don't sleep). The benefits are dramatic for me increased energy substantially, mood elevated, sense of calmness and confidence. When I go to bed the following day I loose the increased mood in about a day but i have no rebound, meaning increased depression or other symptoms. I've always noticed over sleepin dramatically intensifies all symptoms depression,lethargy lack of motivation and poor outlook.
poster:dennison
thread:80236
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010927/msgs/80317.html