Key Ingredient to Mental Health Wellness: Sleep

Lysa’s Limericks

Just as water is essential for human life, sleep is also vital for our existence. The relationship between sleep and mental health has a close connection with the  quality of one’s mental health. When sleep is adversely affected it has a significant impact on mental health and conversely, mental health symptoms can  often lead to sleep challenges.  

For cognitive functioning to perform at optimal level, adequate sleep is important.  The brain’s executive functions require sleep to engage in tasks such as decision making, memory and problem-solving.  

The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health 

1. Cognitive Functioning: Functions such as learning, maintaining  concentration and navigating sensitive issues of the day require sufficient  sleep. The lack of rest can impair these functions and lead to poor decision making. Over time, chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to more serious cognitive issues and exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
2. Emotional Regulation: Obtaining ample sleep is instrumental with  regulating emotions. It is during sleep that the brain repairs itself and processes emotions and stress. Therefore, if one receives insufficient rest it  can lead to irritability and mood swings.
3. Stress and Anxiety: the stress hormone, entitled cortisol, tends to rise  because of lack of sleep. Elevated cortisol levels make it difficult to both fall and stay asleep, which can increase stress and anxiety. Persons with anxiety concerns often struggle due to sleep disturbances; therefore making it more likely that their anxiety will worsen. 
4. Depression: Insomnia, which is a significant struggle to obtain sleep, can  worsen depressive symptoms. Additionally, depression can subsequently  result in hypersomnia, which is sleeping an excessive amount. Either of  these sleep routines can often lead to a tiresome cycle that is difficult to  break.  
5. BiPolar Disorder: persons diagnosed with bipolar disorder must pay special  attention to their sleep habits. A lack of sleep and/or sleep disruptions can  lend itself to a manic or depressive episode. Stabilizing sleep patterns is  often a treatment goal that is strategically addressed for patients diagnosed with bipolar.  

The Role of Treatment 

Addressing sleep issues is often a crucial component of treating mental health  conditions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a widely used and  effective treatment for sleep disorders, particularly when they are linked to  mental health conditions. Medication, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness  practices are also important tools in managing the relationship between sleep and  mental health.