#Healthwire: Depression and anxiety

An often-missed indicator of depression is a change in sleep patterns. "Many people who are depressed experience trouble falling asleep or staying asleep during the night. If sleeplessness is accompanied by other symptoms such as mood changes, disinterest in previously enjoyable activities, unexpected weight gain or loss, or thoughts of suicide, one should seek mental health evaluation by a doctor or therapist," says Ameshia Arthur, a licensed clinical social worker with Arthur LCSW Sacramento, California. Also, says Arthur, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) may be causing your sleep troubles. "Common indicators of GAD are restlessness and difficulty sleeping. If sleeplessness is accompanied by excessive worry, muscle soreness, and irritability, one should seek mental health evaluation by a doctor or therapist," Arthur says. Find our more advice from sleep doctors.