A 65-year-old female complains of waking up very early in the morning and not being able to fall back asleep. She also mentions feeling down and has lost interest in activities she used to enjoy. What could be the potential cause of her insomnia, and what steps can be taken to address it?
The insomnia in this patient may be a symptom of an underlying mood disorder, such as depression. Early morning awakenings, along with feelings of sadness and anhedonia, are common features of depression. The next steps would include conducting a comprehensive mental health assessment and considering treatment with psychotherapy and/or antidepressants.