HOW SLEEP IMPACTS MENTAL HEALTH
If you're regularly having trouble getting a good night's sleep, your mental health may become negatively impacted too. They often go hand-in-hand. Be sure to recognize signs that you need more sleep.
by Robert G. Kohn D.O.
Kohn Brain Clinic
The relationship between sleep and mental health is deeply intertwined. Sleep plays a crucial role in how your brain processes emotions. Lack of sleep can lead to increased irritability, mood swings, and difficulty managing stress, whereas getting a good night’s rest (typically 7-9 hours on average) allows your brain to do the processing it needs to function at its best.
During sleep, especially REM sleep, your brain processes emotional experiences, helping to regulate your responses and puts you in a more positive state of mind. Sleep is also essential for cognitive functions like attention, creativity, and problem-solving. If you’re regularly lacking sleep, it makes it harder to cope with daily challenges.
Adequate sleep is also very important for memory consolidation. While sleeping, your brain is working to solidify memories, allowing you to have better recollection and memory retention.
Poor Sleep Linked To Many Mental Health Disorders
Poor sleep is strongly linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. Sleep problems can be both a symptom and a cause of these disorders. For example, insomnia can increase the risk of developing depression, and depression can worsen sleep problems. Also, sleep problems are linked to increased risk of suicidal ideation.
Quality And Quantity Of Sleep Are Important
Sleep helps regulate the body's stress response. Lack of sleep can lead to increased levels of stress hormones, making you more vulnerable to the negative effects of stress. And both the quality and quantity of sleep are important for mental health.
Sleep needs vary from person to person, but most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Daylight saving time can disrupt sleep by throwing off your body's natural rhythms, also called your circadian clock. This can lead to sleep deprivation, drowsiness, and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Prioritizing Sleep During Seasonal Time Changes
During seasonal time changes, it’s important to make sure you allow extra time for your body to adjust to the new time. Leading up to it, as well as the week after the time change, make sleep a priority. Mentally prepare for bed at your regular time or a bit earlier to allow enough time for your body to unwind and relax. Move important meetings to a better time when you’re most awake. And if possible, adjust your work schedule as needed to give yourself time to adjust to the new schedule without feeling rushed or frazzled.
Good sleep helps your brain function optimally, promoting emotional stability, cognitive clarity, and resilience. Poor sleep can disrupt these processes, increasing your vulnerability to mental health problems. If you're concerned about your sleep or mental health, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. Talk to one of Kohn Brain Clinic's therapists for any sleep-related mental health issues or for more information.
Benefits of Good Sleep
Memory & Focus
Improved concentration and memory retention.
Creative Thinking
The ability to solve problems and think creatively.
Reduced Depression
More alertness and positivity, less depressive symptoms.
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