Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the most common sleep disturbance associated with major depression?

1. Sleep apnea

2. Hypersomnia

3. Insomnia

4. Night terrors

The correct answer is: Insomnia

The most common sleep disturbance associated with major depression is insomnia. Individuals experiencing major depression often report difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, leading to non-restorative sleep. This sleep pattern is common because depression can alter neurotransmitter function and disrupt the normal sleep-wake cycle, making it challenging to achieve restful, uninterrupted sleep. Insomnia in depression can exacerbate feelings of fatigue, irritability, and cognitive dysfunction, contributing to the overall severity of the depressive state. In contrast, while conditions like hypersomnia may occur in some individuals with depression, they are not as prevalent as insomnia. Sleep apnea and night terrors, although they can affect people with various mental health disorders, are not specifically tied to major depression in the way that insomnia is.