Mood Gets Worse At Night

[City Slicker]

I also notice changes in my mood depending on the time of day.

In addition to the emotional and psychological reasons for things to be worse at night as people have noted here, there is some interesting research coming and conducted over the past couple of years about circadian rhythms and depression, anxiety, cortisol levels etc. and the physical link between this and our experience of things being worse at night.

I am still waiting for the finer-tuned stuff re: circadian rhythms and the link with PTSD. I don't have any books about it but have been finding resources about the topic on google.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I get depressed around five pm. I can pin point it to the years both of my parents came home from work and the craziness began for me and my sibs.

I relaxed so much before they came home. The feeling has stuck with me for so many years. It is much better now than it used to be. So I can relate.

 

[oursarah]

Night times are awful for me. I feel incredibly alone, and that combined with nightmares/flashbacks etc makes for feeling pretty dreadful.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

I've experienced this kind before.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

If I do something meaningful during the day, I feel like I spent my time wisely then it is much easier to sleep at night. I am less prone to being awake and depressed.

 

[xena21]

I agree that doing something meaningful during the day helps immensely.

 

[KwanYingirl]

Whenever I have downtime I get irritable and depressed. Falling asleep is difficult, my mind will not slow down. It got worse with menopause. I've run out of options for pharmaceutical sleep aids. But since I've been getting Reiki, I sleep all night. It's brought up many distressing feelings too. I guess that's part of the process.

Today I got a lepidolite necklace. It has natural lithium and lessens depression and calms nerves. I'll let you know how that ends up! I am of the belief that all we need is in nature. Now that my house is on the market I am seriously considering a move farther out in the country.

I don't think you're being 'punished'. You haven't robbed a bank or anything have you? I have also read articles about circadian rhythms and cortisol levels supposed to be lower at night. PTSD sufferers have too much circulating cortisol and all we need is one aggravation that just increases it more.

I listen to Tibetan singing bowls on Pandora at the advice of my Reiki practitioner. I am getting positive results with that. Oh and I got worry dolls too. Can you tell getting to sleep is suckville for me?

Please don't blame yourself for your changes in mood. You have shared with us that your meds have been changed. Perhaps you're body is getting used to your new biochemistry. Maybe they'll need to be retuned. I try to give a change of meds three months before I decide if it's working. Bi polar is complicated isn't it? I have major depressive disorder. I secretly wish I could be manic once in awhile so I could get things accomplished around here.

I wonder what simple civilizations do for sleep disturbance.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

That is so interesting about the Cortisol levels. I am somewhat relieved to learn this, because it makes sense to me. I get a feeling of dread when it turns dark almost every day even on good days. I have just gotten used to it and am powerless over the feelings of dread of night.

I sleep pretty good except when I stay up all night watching tv. It is a lonely time for me too even though I am in the midst of my family.

Interesting thoughts to think about now.

 

[billie]

I feel it too. I rationalise it to exhaustion and taking my meds too late.

 

[d-art13]

@Fadeaway

Seems like 5he nights are a lot harder. Its also a difficult time to reach out and ask for help..especially if you are waking up thru the night with nightmare s etc.