Page 58 - Advanced Biblical Counseling Student Textbook

has showed us now that sleep problems could be the cause of mental health conditions and contribute
to existing conditions. This means that treating the sleep disorder may help alleviate the symptoms
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associated with the mental health condition and vice versa.

Sleep Deprivation and Depression
Approximately 65 to 90 percent of adults, and 90 percent of children, with clinical depression
experience some form of sleep concerns, according to Harvard Health. Most common is insomnia, but
sleep apnea impacts 1 in 5. Sleep problems are a symptom of depression and also increase the risk of
developing depression. A longitudinal study conducted by a Michigan health maintenance organization
showed that those with insomnia were four times more likely to develop major depression than normal
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sleepers.

Depressed patients with sleep disorders are more likely to think about and commit suicide than
depressed patients who sleep normally.

Sleep Problems and Anxiety Disorders
Sleep problems affect more than 50% of patients with anxiety disorder. They are common in patients
with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.
Sleep deprivation increases the risk for developing anxiety disorders, worsens the symptoms, and
prevents recovery. In PTSD, sleep disruptions can cause retention of negative emotional memories and
impact therapy.

Bipolar Disorder and Sleep
People with bipolar disorder can sometimes go for days without sleep during a manic episode. However,
during the depressive period they may experience hypersomnia (excessive sleep). Studies show that 3
out of 4 people with bipolar disorder will experience insomnia or other sleep problems before a period
of mania is about to occur. Lack of sleep and even jet lag can trigger episodes of mania.

Treatment
A major part of being a helpful counselor is doing a good job of getting the story. Proverbs 18:13
reminds us that we do not want to give an answer to anyone’s problem before we know all the details.
Asking about the sleep habits of a counselee is very important. Those who are struggling with life and
regularly sleeping less than six hours will most likely need some guidance.

The most common cause of sleep deprivation is that we simply choose to arrange our lives in a way that
makes it difficult to get enough sleep. There are all kinds of reasons for this that range from needing to
work more to meet financial goals to wanting to watch late night television. The starting place for a
solution is good stewardship of the time and body that God gives us. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul
tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. As such, they deserve better care. It is
important for counselees to remember that whatever choices they make in life, the goal must be to
glorify and please God (see 1 Corinthians 10:31 and 2 Corinthians 5:9)
.
When those who are struggling come to counseling and it becomes apparent that they are sleep
deprived, your first homework assignment calls for a lifestyle change. You should send them home to

91 https://aspirecounselingservice.com/sleep-deprivation-and-the-links-to-mental-health/
92 Ibid.

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