Depression Symptoms: Can It Cause Drowsiness?

Depression is a diagnosable mental health condition accompanying multiple symptoms that can adversely impact daily functioning and abilities, and often does. While there are many common depression symptoms, depression can impact each person differently. A common challenge that people with depression experience is disruptions to sleep, which can cause them to feel tired, experience decreased energy levels, and develop physical health complications.

The term depression encompasses several mental disorders, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. Since depression is a mental health condition, many people have the misconception that symptoms might only present mentally or emotionally. This harmful misconception often contributes to the myth that depression symptoms are "all in your head." However, many depression symptoms are physical. Decreased energy levels, changing sleep habits, stress, and anhedonia (difficulty engaging in activities once enjoyed) are all symptoms of depression that may contribute to fatigue.

While many people experience tiredness occasionally, the tiredness associated with depression often presents as long-term or persistent fatigue. When evaluating symptoms, it can help to distinguish between feeling tired and feeling fatigued. 

Where tiredness may dissipate with proper rest, fatigue tends to persist regardless of sleep quality. According to research, depression fatigue is a symptom reported by over 90% of people living with major depressive disorder. Additionally, sleep disturbances and depression have a bidirectional relationship, meaning poor sleep quality can cause or exacerbate depression, and depressive symptoms can make it harder to get good sleep.  

A study published by the National Library of Medicine explains that fatigue is one of the most common residual symptoms of partially resolved depression. Fatigue often persists even when a person is receiving adequate treatment for depression. According to recent studies, about 21 million US adults live with depression.

• Along with fatigue, other symptoms of depression may include:
• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Feeling irritable or frustrated
• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities 
• Sleeping excessively or experiencing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
• Disruptions in eating habits 
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Slow thinking, speaking, or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or self-hatred
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
• Suicidal thoughts

Depression and chronic fatigue syndrome

Determining the root cause of fatigue can often be tricky due to its commonality amongst numerous mental health and medical conditions. Chronic fatigue syndrome is an illness characterized by severe tiredness that isn’t caused by an existing medical condition. Regarding depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, difficulty determining the differences between the two conditions is attributed to several factors. 

While depression may not cause chronic fatigue syndrome, someone with chronic fatigue syndrome may experience symptoms of depression. This occurrence can be due to the overall lack of energy the condition creates. Low energy often makes it difficult to find motivation or perform daily tasks, leading to feelings of depression or hopelessness. Additionally, someone with chronic fatigue syndrome may be experiencing certain sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or insomnia. Conditions such as these often exacerbate chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Being consistent with sleep and wake times
• Incorporating more physical activity, such as daily walks
• Spending time outside or in nature
• Practicing meditation or relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
• Spending time with loved ones or seeking support from a group or faith-based institution

Along with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome, one may be experiencing fatigue for several reasons. The following are other potential causes:  

• Grief
• Sleep disorders or poor sleep habits
• Medications
• Substance use 
• An overactive or underactive thyroid
• Medical conditions
• Other mental health conditions
• Chronic pain
• Anemia or iron deficiency

Due to the likelihood of fatigue appearing as a symptom of a multitude of medical disorders, consult your primary care physician if you're unsure of the cause. 

Counseling options for you

Living with depression-related fatigue can often be debilitating or challenging. There are several ways to cope that range from improving your sleep habits to seeking treatment from a mental health professional. If you are living with depression symptoms that have persisted for over two weeks, therapy can be an effective form of mental health care.

Research has also proven online therapy to be equally as effective as in-person therapy when it comes to treating the symptoms related to depression, such as fatigue, stress, and hopelessness.