Lack of sleep can harm
our mental health
Lack of sleep can harm
our mental health
Lack of sleep has a negative impact on our mental health.
(And we're here to help)
There's a reason why someone in a foul mood is said to have "woken up on the wrong side of the bed."
Sleep is strongly tied to mental and emotional well-being and has been linked to disorders including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and several others.
Here's what happens when you don't get enough sleep: Your brain doesn't have time to process the emotions that your body experiences while you're awake. When you're tired, it's harder for your mind to register stressors. When they’re not processed, they can build up until they overwhelm you.
If your brain isn't functioning at its best, it may also be harder for you to regulate your emotions and impulses. This can lead to negative behaviors like binge eating or drinking too much alcohol.
Your feelings are worth checking to see if you're getting enough rest. Here are some ways to improve your sleep as a start:
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Don't eat or drink anything (except water) at least two hours before bedtime.
We know it's tempting to have that last glass of wine or piece of chocolate cake before bed—but don't do it! Your body needs time to digest food before it goes into rest mode. Eating too close to bedtime will keep your mind awake as your body tries to process all those carbs and fats.
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Make sure your room is cool and dark, with no bright lights or loud noises nearby.
If you're in an environment that's too warm or bright, you'll be too alert to fall asleep. Trying to sleep in a bright room with loud sounds, it's basically like going to bed with a jackhammer.
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Keep screens out of the bedroom entirely—this includes phones, tablets, and TV screens!
This is a big one—turn off your phone and put it in another room. If you keep your phone on your nightstand, you're more likely to pick it up in the middle of the night and check it (that is definitely keeping you up).
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Stick to a regular sleep schedule and wake up at the same time every day.
This will help regulate your circadian rhythm so that you're more likely to fall asleep when it's time for bed.
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Know what is truly comfortable to you.
It's okay to be picky about the things you surround yourself with at night—after all, it's your time to recharge! Your choice of mattresses, pillows, and blankets affects how well you sleep. Weighted blankets, for instance, have proven to be successful in treating a range of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances.
When we sleep, the brain works to analyze and recognize thoughts and memories. It appears that lack of sleep is extremely damaging to the development of emotionally positive content. Sleep affects mood and emotional reactivity and is associated with the severity of mental health issues.
So, be a little more self-aware; by doing so, you'll protect your overall emotional, mental, and physical health.
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