Neha Sharma Neha Sharma Asked 5 months ago

Do depressed people sleep a lot?

My cousin has been feeling very low lately, and she's also sleeping excessively, sometimes for 10-12 hours. I'm trying to understand if sleeping a lot is a common symptom for people experiencing depression. Should I be worried about her sleep habits too?

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7 answers

Rajiv Khanna Rajiv Khanna Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago
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When I was going through a very low phase last year, all I wanted to do was sleep. It was like a temporary escape from my thoughts. But sometimes, depression can also cause the exact opposite, like extreme insomnia.

Shreya Ghoshal Shreya Ghoshal Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

I know how heavy it feels when you see someone just lying in bed all day and you worry about them. It is very common for depression to cause extreme fatigue, but please encourage them to speak to a therapist or doctor for gentle support.

Amit Sharma Amit Sharma Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Don't stress too much, it is actually a very classic sign of emotional exhaustion. Their mind is just trying to recharge. Just be there for them and help them find a professional to talk to.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Vijay Sawant Vijay Sawant Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

A lack of physical energy and oversleeping can happen due to many reasons, including thyroid issues or high blood pressure. It is best to get a full routine medical checkup done to see what is causing the tiredness.

Priya Mathew Priya Mathew Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

Yes, depression can definitely disrupt the sleep cycle, making people either sleep too much or too little. It is also important to check if any medications they are taking are causing drowsiness as a side effect.

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Meera Rawat Meera Rawat Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

It is completely normal for someone fighting a mental battle to feel physically drained and sleep a lot. Just be gentle with them and don't force them. Slowly guide them toward seeking professional help when they are ready.

Rohan Mehra Rohan Mehra Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

Yes, hypersomnia is a very common clinical symptom of depression. However, it can also manifest as insomnia. The best course of action is consulting a mental health professional rather than guessing.

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