Surprising Depression Trigger CONFIRMED
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas!
I hope you’re spending TODAY celebrating with family and friends.
And I hope you can finally get some good rest TONIGHT after pulling off another successful Christmas.
Many of us run short on shuteye around the holidays. But if that trend continues, it can become a problem.
Good quality sleep is critical for MANY reasons. But THIS one may surprise you…
Anyone who has been kept up all night by a barking dog or a crying kid can tell you it’s tough to see silver linings when you’re downright exhausted.
But there’s always been a bit of a chicken or egg issue with the link between depression and poor sleep.
Is it a lack of sleep that causes depression? Or does depression trigger bad sleep?
Luckily, a group of researchers decided to take a closer look.
The study was published in the journal Translational Psychiatry and focused on data gathered from folks with an average age of 65.
And the researchers confirmed that regularly not getting enough sleep was linked to the START of depressive symptoms.
In fact, even when other mental health risk factors are considered, this link between not getting enough sleep and the chance of developing clinical depression in the future still exists.
The researchers found that…
- folks who slept for five hours or less were 5 times more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms
- while those who were already depressed were 33 percent more likely to experience sleep disruptions
The scientists believe not getting enough sleep increases cortisol production, ramps up inflammation levels, and affects parts of the brain that control emotions.
This can cause negative thoughts, low mood, and other signs of depression to develop over time.
But there ARE some simple steps you can take to support better sleep and drive down your depression risk…
- Exercise is one of the best paths to a good night’s sleep. When your body is physically tired, your mind has no choice but to give in.
- Avoid caffeine in the afternoon. This means skipping coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks.
- Cut back on alcohol, which leads to light and easily disturbed sleep.
- Sleeping alone is a valid option for folks who are often woken up by their mate.
- Calming herbs such as hops, passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile, and valerian relax the body and mind so you can sleep.
- Theanine is an amino acid in green tea that helps folks feel calm.
- Melatonin is a hormone that promotes good sleep.
Getting enough quality sleep is vital for your mental health. To avoid triggering mood issues or depression, adults should aim for seven to nine hours of shuteye every night.
P.S. Exciting new therapy SLASHES depression nearly 80%!
Source:
Hamilton, O.S., et al., “Polygenic predisposition, sleep duration, and depression: evidence from a prospective population-based cohort.” Transl Psychiatry 13, 323 (2023), doi. org /10.1038/s41398-023-02622-z
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...
Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...
A Simple Vitamin Solution Combats Parkinson’s
Our understanding of the gut-brain connection has grown rapidly in recent years. So, it’s no surprise that scientists suspect a connection between gut health and the development of Parkinson’s. However, new research is adding more details to the picture. A groundbreaking study revealed two common nutrients are often critically low in folks with Parkinson’s. This...
The “Cellular Wildfire” Fueling Long-COVID Revealed
A significant number of folks continue to feel unwell after supposedly “recovering” from COVID-19. I have some exciting news if you’re one of the millions battling long-COVID. Scientists from the University of Queensland just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle—and all signs point to inflammation as the culprit. Let me explain… ***** This groundbreaking...
Top 9 Nutrients Needed to Maintain Good Health
Let’s face it… the supplement aisle at your local grocery store is kind of overwhelming. Standing there staring at rows upon rows of colorful bottles, each promising better health, increased energy, or miraculous benefits can leave you feeling downright dizzy. With so many options, how can you possibly know which nutrients are truly essential for...
The Mini-Movement Revolution Beats Traditional Workouts
I get it… not everyone loves exercise. But you don’t have to become a gym rat to get major health benefits. New research reveals that those quick trips to take the garbage out or go to the bathroom might be even MORE valuable than your scheduled exercise time. In fact, these mini-movement breaks could be...
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...