Sleep has become somewhat of an afterthought in the world of overall health, but finally, research is catching up on just how important sleep is to our mental health. Poor sleep can play a key role in the development of a variety of mental illnesses, including anxiety and depression, and even psychosis.
The Science Underlying Sleep and Mental Health While sleeping, our brains consolidate memories, regulate our emotional states, and regain energy. Without getting enough sleep, these vital functions are impaired, and the result might be an impairment in cognitive abilities, mood swings, and vulnerability to stress.
Mood Disorders: It has been documented that depression and anxiety relate to poor sleep patterns. Among those patients who have depression, disturbed sleep has often been reported, which mostly takes the form of sleeplessness or excessive somnolence.
Cognitive Impairment: Poor quality sleep can affect our thinking ability, concentration, and memory, which might lead to problems at work and in school, and even in social interactions.
Increased Stress: Inadequate sleep leaves us at a disadvantage in handling stress. The outcome is a feeling of being overwhelmed, irritated, and with physical manifestations like headaches and digestive problems. Improving Sleep towards Better Mental Health Fortunately, there are certain means of creating better conditions to sleep, which will definitely help improve our psychological well-being:
Get a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
Be endowed with comfortable bedding and avoid the usage of electronic gadgets at bedtime.
Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day. This helps your body keep its own internal clock running smoothly.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both caffeine and alcohol disrupt sleep. If one is a light sleeper, he/she reduces intake, especially in the evening.
Deal with stress-start deep breathing or meditation and yoga that will contribute to lowering your level of stress and sleeping better.
Regular Exercise: Plenty of regular exercise is beneficial for good sleep, but do not exercise heavily near bedtime.
Limit Screen Time: Blue light from electronic devices disrupts your sleep-wake cycle. Reduce screen time before going to bed.
Let’s emphasize it: paying more attention to sleep can work wonders for our mental health and well-being. If you have problems either sleeping or with your mental health, you need to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and advice.
