Insomnia: a key symptom to diagnose depression

Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout our life.  It is as essential for survival as food and water. Insomnia is the feeling of inadequate or poor sleep. It is often accompanied by depression, cognitive changes, anxiety and other mental conditions. A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the feeling; thinking and behavior-all of them are on a low key. Aim: The aim was to study the relationship between sleep disturbances and major depressive disorder. Methodology: Within the study period of 30 months, 630 patients were admitted, of which, all complained about physical ailments. Patients has symptoms of insomnia and one more of these symptoms from the aforementioned symptoms checklist were sent for private consultation with the psychiatrist. Findings: It was found that out of the 630 patients, 96 were diagnosed with depression.  Out of 96 patients, only 11 patients had no history of only sleep disturbance. Among 85 Patients who had insomnia. Discussion: In this study, It was noted that majority of patients who complained of sleep related symptoms were actually suffering from depression. Conclusion: This study points that sleep disturbance can be one of the chief indications of Depressive Disorder.