How can I get enough sleep when caring for someone with depression?
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RealAge answered:It's pretty basic, but you need to get your sleep, especially when you're pouring so much psychic energy into supporting your depressed loved one. Daytime stress can make it difficult to relax and sleep soundly. It's a nasty feedback loop, since bad sleep makes the next day more stressful. Our bodies and brains need 6 to 9 hours of sleep to restore good brain-cell functioning.
Practice good sleep hygiene. After lunch, sip herbal tea instead of caffeinated drinks. Relax with a good book and some deep breathing before bed, not a couple glasses of wine and hours glued to the TV or Facebook. Alcohol and the glow from TV and computer screens disrupt sleep.It's pretty basic, but you need to get your sleep, especially when you're pouring so much psychic energy into supporting your depressed loved one. Daytime stress can make it difficult to relax and sleep soundly. It's a nasty feedback loop,... More
