Final answer:
Mental health conditions such as mood disorders are strongly linked to disrupted sleep patterns, with insomnia being a common symptom. Sleep deprivation has significant negative effects on both physiological and psychological well-being. Cognitive behavioral therapy is suggested as a more effective treatment for sleep issues than medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Excessive or insufficient sleep is a prevalent symptom among individuals with mental illnesses. Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling or staying asleep and can lead to increased anxiety and symptoms of depression.
Sleep deprivation not only causes immediate effects like irritability and cognitive impairment but also poses long-term health risks like obesity and high blood pressure. The impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive and motor functions can be compared to the effects of alcohol intoxication, further emphasizing the severity of the problem.
Surprisingly, mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, are linked to disturbed sleep patterns, with these individuals being more likely to experience sleep issues.
Although there's been an increase in the prescription of sleep medications, evidence suggests that cognitive behavioral therapy is a more effective intervention for sleep problems.