If you don't want to bring up the subject of depression with your doctor, you could ask for help with your sleep problem. If it's serious, they're very likely to prescribe an antidepressant to help your sleep.

In any case, anything you can do to get your sleep back into a normal pattern is very likely to help your other depression symptoms.

I am taking an over-the-counter supplement right now with 3 mg melatonin, 30 mg 5-HTP, and 200 mg L-theanine. It's a chewable tablet and is working very well for me. The one I take is made by Webber Naturals and is sold under the name Webber Super Sleep or Webber Melatonin Plus.

I have fibromyalgia, and I have a chronic sleep disorder along with it. It's not easy for me to find something that makes me sleep. The L-theanine in the Super Sleep is relaxing (it's used to treat anxiety).

I started taking 7.5-15 mg of Remeron/mirtazapine back in the spring for sleep/depression. It worked really well until a couple of months ago. I still take it, but I added the Super Sleep.

I hope that you find something to help. I don't know if your mom is the type of person who will read something if you give it to her. I know there are plenty of articles about how poor quality sleep can cause weight gain or make it more difficult to lose weight.