Written by Robin N. Fatovic

Reference: Irwin, M. R., Carrillo, C., Sadeghi, N., Bjurstrom, M. F., Breen, E. C., & Olmstead, R. (2022). Prevention of incident and recurrent major depression in older adults with insomnia. JAMA Psychiatry, 79 (1), 33. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.3422 

Older adults with recurrent insomnia, or difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep at least 3 days per week, have higher risk for depression. Can treating insomnia prevent future depression?

Half of 290 adults aged 60 and up, with insomnia but no depression or major health events in the past year, participated in 2 months of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for insomnia. The other half completed sleep education therapy identifying behavioral and environmental contributors.  

Results? After two years, only 12% of those in the CBT group experienced depression compared to 26% in education therapy. Additionally, they reduced their insomnia symptoms more than those in the education group, even 3 years after the intervention. CBT participants even had an 83% decreased chance of developing depression compared to those in the education group who did not see any sustained improvement in insomnia. 

Sleep is essential! Older adults, do you have difficulty going to or staying asleep? This can affect your concentration, memory, decision-making, and physical functioning. It may be a risk factor for Major Depression. Seek an expert in CBT for the treatment of insomnia and prevention of depression if you are struggling with sleep!