To avoid depression if u work hard that will pull you again into that same well. By sleeping you may temporarily avoid it. You need to understand what is the resin for the depression and resolve that.

Loneliness could be the outcome of insecurity wherein you avoid mingling with people or having deeper relationship with them out of fear of being judged or rejected. Loneliness again enhances insecurity. It's a disruptive loop leading to reduced self-esteem as well as confidence. I appreciate your first coping technique which is to work; leading to constructive engagement. If you go deeper into what you do & get recognized, it shall inflate your self esteem and hence reduce your insecurities. Please work with the intent of mastering what you do & being your best. Second coping technique, which is sleeping suggest that you get bored & loose motivation in staying awake. Additionally i would like to suggest you to start observing people around with a purpose. Notice the way they interact, the chances they take and the way they express themselves. Observation is the first step in beating loneliness. It would help you to focus on others & listen to them keenly so that you understand them. Once you start understanding people, you shall know the sort of questions to ask, to make them express. When they start expressing, they tend to like your company. Once you reach that stage; you shall be heard hence would start overcoming the insecurities. Before making observations, please make a list of all your insecurities so that you have a ground for observation & know how they have been performing in those areas. End of the day, remember that we are all lonely; to a smaller or greater extent. If you love people genuinely & cherish their company, people tend to reciprocate. Take Care.