What is the relationship between good sleep and mental health?

What is the Relationship Between Good Sleep and Mental Health?

The World Health Organization revealed some time ago that one in four people will be affected by a mental health issue in their lives. With 450 million people suffering mental health issues, groups and organisations, including the United Nations, have begun to ask governments to do more to support people. Governments have been asked to make mental health treatment more affordable and more available while encouraging people to speak openly about mental health issues.

 

 

Governments may still be working towards better mental health programs but, if your mental health is affecting your daily life, there are things you can do to turn it around. One of these is to get better sleep.

What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough Sleep?

Anyone lacking sleep can find they are cranky and irritable, feel tired and struggle to make decisions as quickly or without having to overthink things. However, as Harvard Health Publishing points out, not only can trouble sleeping arise as a cause of mental health issues, but “sleep problems may raise risk for, and even directly contribute to, the development of some psychiatric disorders.” There are some steps people can take to help get their sleep back on track, though.

Create the right conditions

The steps begin with having a comfortable place to sleep as you’re more likely to get better sleep on a quality mattress than on a futon in front of the TV. Memory foam mattresses can also give people that pleasant feeling of sinking into the mattress. Bed-in-a-box company Casper aims to provide the millions of us tired people with a comfortable bed to sleep.

Incorporating their luxury foam into their products, their range of mattresses includes the Hybrid mattress, which provides support and comfort, and The Casper, a pressure-relieving solution. Casper mattresses are designed to bounce back and won’t sag meaning that support you need when you crash onto your bed after another long day at work is long-lasting.

How to Create a Relaxing Sleep Routine

Busy people tend to have less time to relax. Answering emails may feel like a higher priority than getting some shut-eye. However, it can be easier to stick to a sleep schedule if you have a sleep routine – and that routine should include rest and relaxation.

If you want to be gently lulled into sleep, then putting on some soothing music may do the trick, or you may want to read a book. Naomie Harris, the actress who has starred in Pirates of the Caribbean, Moonlight, and the James Bond movies, gets into her jimjams and chills in bed for a “restful and restorative” Sunday. We definitely think she’s onto something here.

There is more to addressing your mental health than just sleeping, with your diet and the amount of exercise you get also having an effect. However, getting more quality sleep is one of the easiest things to look at and is a good place to start.