According to The Sleep Health Foundation, 60-90% of patients with depression also struggle with insomnia, while Harvard Health found that 50-80% of patients in typical psychiatric practice suffer from chronic sleep problems - suggesting that sleep quality plays a significant role in mental health conditions.
Sleep is important for mental health for two reasons. Firstly, sleep is a regenerative process where your body repairs itself after the day has ended, helping to maintain your cognitive abilities, memory, and attention. Secondly, the R.E.M. stage of sleep helps your brain process what you have experienced each day, allowing you to manage new information, store it, and recall it at a later date.
Undersleeping can lead to symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, irritability, and depression. Oversleeping, however, has similar effects and can lead to increased lethargy and feelings of low mood.
For a good night’s sleep, you should be aiming for between 8-10 hours. If this is difficult due to work commitments - such as working night shifts - it’s important that you catch up on sleep time where possible.
If you are struggling with insomnia, speak to your doctor for advice. Home remedies may include improving sleep hygiene by limiting electronic use and lighting, reducing caffeine use, meditation, and herbal remedies such as chamomile or valerian teas.
ref: 3 Bad Habits To Quit For Better Mental Health by ALEX BELSEY
