Sleep deprivation as a treatment for depression?

Question

I read on webmd.com that in some cases, sleep deprivation can be an effective treatment for depression. Does this really work? How?

Answer 1

i haven't heard of that, i have depression, and a result of that was insomnia, and if i didn't sleep a couple nights in a row, i would have suicidal thoughts, and it would make my depression way worse than if i got to sleep.    

anyways, thats my opinion, i would never use sleep deprivation to help me, ask your doctor first before you try anything.  

Answer 2

That works for a SHORT term solution only.  If you need to break out of depression in order to do something specific (short range) like a job interview etc.  You can "half cycle" and interrupt the depression syndrome. For example if you normally go to bed at 11PM and rise at 7 AM.... this time set the alarm for 3 AM and get up IMMEDIATELY and stay up and usually you will feel surprisingly good.   After your job interview - collapse because the "good" that you felt is gonna rebound and knock you down worse.   I've only heard of this working as a short term "trick" like this - never in the long run because sleep deprivation is a major contributor to MAKING someone depressed.