Role of Sleep in Depressive Disorders and the Potential Therapeutic Role of Short-Term Sleep Deprivation and Light Therapy: A Review.

Abstract

Depression affects about 280 million people globally and is marked by persistent sadness and impaired daily functioning. Sleep disturbances are prevalent in major depressive disorder, affecting roughly 90% of patients, and are linked to the severity and progression of depression. This review emphasizes the critical role of sleep in depressive disorders and evaluates the alternative treatments bright light therapy and sleep deprivation. Sleep disturbances are not only symptoms but also mediators in the relationship between depression and other conditions, such as anxiety, chronic inflammation, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive decline. Effective management of depressive disorders must address these sleep issues. Bright light therapy, which uses artificial light to mimic natural sunlight, is effective for treating seasonal affective disorder and non-seasonal major depressive disorder. It is well tolerated, can be used alone or with antidepressants, and often improves both mood and sleep quality. In contrast, sleep deprivation, which involves enforced wakefulness, can provide rapid symptom relief. However, its effects are generally short-lived, and there is a risk of inducing mania in patients with bipolar disorder. In conclusion, sleep significantly impacts the severity and progression of depressive disorders. Bright light therapy and sleep deprivation offer promising alternatives to conventional treatments. The aim of this review is to underscore the importance of sleep in depression and advocate for the consideration of these alternative treatment methods to improve patient outcomes.