A Good Night's Sleep May Be Important in Reducing Depression


Survey Says Americans Ignoring Proper Sleep Patterns
By Ayinde O. Chase - All Headline News Staff Writer, May 1, 2006

Alexandria, VA (AHN) - According to the findings of the 2006 Better Sleep Month survey, Americans are coping with a 24/7 lifestyle by turning to "quick fixes" rather than focusing on lifestyle changes and potential long-term solutions to improve their sleep patterns.

Amy Wolfson, PhD, sleep expert, psychologist, professor and author of A Woman's Book of Sleep says, "Sleep is an active process that results from change in the balance of major neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine that, among others, are related to mood and other cognitive/emotion behaviors."

What people may not realize is that sleep disorders can actually trigger mood disorders and depression. As researchers learn more about the underlying cyclical connection between sleep and our mental health, the important balance is becoming even more apparent.

Cynthia Wainscott, acting president and CEO of the National Mental Health Association, says "Being healthy doesn't pertain just to our physical health -- mental and physical well-being go hand-in-hand."

She continues, "We know that sleep plays a vital role in our overall health and continue to learn how changes in sleep habits may contribute to changes in your mental health. For this reason alone, quality sleep is central to any healthy lifestyle."

FROM: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7003392816

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