Morning Depression: Definition and Treatment

Morning depression is common among people with major or severe depressive disorder. The severe symptoms of morning depression are more prominent in the evening or afternoon, including anger, frustration, extreme sadness, and fatigue.

Moreover, morning depression is best known as a daily variation of depression symptoms or daily mood variation. Before, morning depression was considered as the clinical diagnosis itself, but today, experts believe it as part of depressive symptoms.

Causes

A study in 2013 revealed that most people who suffer from depression have disturbances in circadian rhythms which is known to be the primary cause of depression.

Circadian rhythm is the body’s normal sleep and wake cycle. Typically, the body works in 24 hours, so you feel sleepy during the night and alert or awake during daytime. The normal body clock or circadian rhythm controls your body’s temperature and heart rate. It can influence your alertness, thinking, mood, and energy as well. It’s also responsible for stabilizing your mood and maintaining good health.

The production of hormones like melatonin and cortisol aids in preparing your body for specific events. For instance, the production of cortisol happens during the daytime. Cortisol releases energy to help you stay alert and active during the daytime.

Conversely, during the night your body produces melatonin, a hormone responsible for putting you to sleep. If an interruption in your circadian rhythm occurs, your body’s response is to produce hormones at an incorrect time of the day. Hence, it can have a negative effect on your emotional state and physical health.

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