Is Insomnia a Precursor to Depression? What Should I Do?

Insomnia is a common issue in life, and there are numerous reasons for it. Many factors in life can trigger insomnia. Therefore, the occurrence of insomnia is not necessarily due to depression, although it is one of the contributing factors. Of course, depression is a relatively serious factor. It is a common mental illness with significant harm. Let's briefly understand this aspect below. Is insomnia a precursor to depression? In daily life, insomnia is a relatively common phenomenon, and there can be various reasons for it, such as excessive excitement, tension, worry, and unresolved issues in one's mind. Therefore, insomnia does not necessarily indicate depression. However, long-term insomnia can lead to mental fatigue and may potentially contribute to the development of depression. Therefore, individuals experiencing chronic insomnia may consider seeking medical advice or utilizing medication to aid in sleep.

1. Self-association method - Imagine a beautiful scene before going to sleep. Lie down and avoid indulging in thoughts. Close your eyes and imagine a vast and boundless universe (or choose a favorite object) where there is nothing but countless sparkling stars. Gazing at these stars, you feel a sense of beauty... Slowly, unknowingly, you fall asleep.

2. Food-assisted sleep method - Drinking a cup of warm milk before bedtime can help promote sleep. Avoid consuming stimulating foods or drinks like coffee and green tea before bedtime.

3. Self-comfort - Holding a pillow can be helpful for those who have difficulty sleeping due to a lack of security. Some people prefer to hide themselves or use other methods to feel safer when sleeping. In such cases, trying to hold a pillow or a plush toy can be helpful. If you fear darkness, consider placing a small night light near your bed.

4. Book and movie-assisted sleep method - Choose a boring book or movie that you find uninteresting. If you can't sleep while lying in bed, prepare a book or movie that you dislike or find particularly dull and focus on it. Reading a few pages or watching a slow and monotonous movie may help you feel sleepy.