Psychological Analysis Tests
At least half of all insomnias are caused by psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, marital stress, or job stress.
Like most people, insomniacs typically do not want to think of themselves as having an emotional or psychological problem. Therefore, even if you do not think your sleep problem is psychological, consider that the chances are at least 50/50 that you may belong in this category.
Often times (but not always), the kind of insomnia that you have is related to a certain kind of psychological problem. For example, waking up too early is common for people who are depressed, while difficulty in getting to sleep often is caused by anxiety.
Also, think about when your insomnia has started. As best you can determine, by looking at your life around the time or shortly before your sleep problems occurred, were there important life changes at that time? They are likely to be involved in what is causing your sleep problems.
Sleep and Depression
This is the toughest question: Are you depressed?
Review the questionnaire table below.
- If you answer YES to four or more questions, you should consider the possibility that you are suffering from depression.
- Six or more YES answers make it imperative to seek professional advice.
| 1 | Are you often melancholy or sad and can't snap out of it? |
| 2 | Are you pessimistic or discouraged about the future? |
| 3 | Do you feel that you are mostly a disappointment as a person (parent, spouse, child, employee, etc.)? |
| 4 | Do you find that you are dissatisfied, bored, bad, or unworthy most of the time? |
| 5 | Do you blame yourself, which may be justified, for most of the things that go wrong in your life? |
| 6 | Do you have thoughts of harming or killing yourself? |
| 7 | Do you cry a lot? |
| 8 | Have you lost interest in other people? |
| 9 | Have you stopped taking care of your appearance? |
| 10 | Is your appetite poor, or do you eat excessively? |
| 11 | Have any of your close relatives been diagnosed with depression? |
Depression and insomnia often could lead to a vicious circle. Poor sleep leads to a worsening mood, which then leads to worse sleep and further depression.
Treating your depression can solve your insomnia problem.
No matter what the underlying cause is, depression needs to be treated professionally.
Sleep and Anxiety
Below is a set of psychological questions to test for anxiety.
- If you answer YES to more than 3 questions - you should consider that your poor sleep might be caused by excessive anxiety.
- If you answer YES to 5 or more questions - you are more anxious and tense than other people, and your next step should be to seek professional advice. Your tension maybe just a bad habit, or you may need counseling.
| 1 | Do you often feel upset, irritable, or tense without even knowing why? |
| 2 | Does your heart often race uncontrollably? |
| 3 | Do you have difficulties slowing down or relaxing? |
| 4 | Do you often feel insecure or anxious? |
| 5 | Do you often worry about things that you have said that might have hurt somebody's feelings? |
| 6 | Do you often worry, even over not important things? |
| 7 | Do you worry about possible misfortune? |
| 8 | Do you feel nervous, jittery, or on edge? |
| 9 | Do you have difficulties concentrating or feel that your mind is going blank? |
| 10 | Are you apprehensive about the future? |