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Many people suffering from depression will experience a feeling of lethargy settling over all aspects of their lives.

This lethargy may be experienced as a lack of interest in what were previously considered enjoyable aspects of life. Social events may be avoided, leading to increasing feelings of isolation and, consequently deepening depression.

It is also very common for sufferers of depression to feel tired all the time. They may feel so exhausted that they sleep more than usual, or find that they are unable to get adequate sleep during the nights, leading to feelings of tiredness. It is also common for the sleep cycles of people with depression to be reversed: sleeping during the day, while finding it impossible to sleep at night.

Experiencing disturbed sleep and constant tiredness would cause most people to skip regular sessions at the gym. Believing they are unable to summon the energy needed to carry out even the most gentle forms of exercise, most sufferers would, understandably, choose instead to curl up under the duvet and hide from the world. Ironically, a lack of exercise can massively deplete energy levels and so make the problem even worse.

For anyone suffering from depression, however, there is help at hand.

The simplest, and often most effective, treatment for mild to moderate depression is exercise. Starting with a gentle, aerobic exercise such as walking can work wonders in alleviating the symptoms of depression and the associated feelings of tiredness.

While exercise seems like the last thing anyone feeling exhausted would want to participate in, it really is one of the best things a depressed person can do for themselves. A walk in the sunshine is free and can provide an immediate boost in mood. Starting off by walking slowly, just for a short period of time is achievable by almost everyone.

There are many over-the-counter and herbal preparations which claim to help people to sleep. Anyone suffering from depression should discuss their illness with a medical professional or pharmacist before using any such medication, particularly if they are already using antidepressants.

Discussing symptoms with a general practitioner will result in a much more effective treatment plan, which can take into account disturbed sleep patterns. Many GPs are wary of prescribing, and patients wary of taking, "sleeping tablets" as they can be habit forming, creating dependency. Instead, there are a number of alternatives available for people suffering from depression and constant tiredness.

If antidepressants are considered appropriate, an antidepressant with a sedative effect, such as Amitriptyline can be used to alleviate symptoms of depression and to regulate sleep patterns. If the depression is not so severe as to require antidepressant medication or those with sedative effects are unsuitable for the patient, antihistamines can be prescribed. These are not habit forming and are more effective at inducing sleep than over the counter preparations. Antihistamines must only be used in accordance with medical advice.

Improving sleep patterns and exercising will boost energy levels and alleviate the feelings of tiredness which are a common symptom of depression.

Learn more about this author, Sarah V Reid.
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