It is now widely accepted that sleep is a fundamental requirement for both physical and mental health. Studies have demonstrated that inadequate or poor sleep can lead to negative emotional reactions to stressors, and reduce positive emotions. This can weaken our capacity to manage our emotions, and increase the risk of developing a mental health condition. On the other hand, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression can cause sleep disorders.
It is evident that sleep and mood are closely related, with good quality sleep promoting mental and emotional resilience, while chronic sleep disorders can lead to negative thinking and emotional vulnerability. Poor sleep can also have an impact on safety and quality of life, resulting in increased mistakes, irritability, and forgetfulness. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has been found to be an effective way of addressing this cycle of sleep problems and mental health conditions. This therapy works by altering a person's internal biological clock, or circadian rhythm, which helps control multiple body processes including sleep. The latest discoveries about the importance of sleep for physical and mental wellbeing come at a time when technology is putting pressure on sleep time like never before. Enhancing sleep hygiene by cultivating habits and a sleep-friendly bedroom environment can help reduce sleep interruptions.
People with insomnia are much more likely to be depressed or anxious than those who sleep well. Sleep problems can become an additional source of concern, as they cause anticipatory anxiety at bedtime, making it more difficult to fall asleep. For instance, it is not uncommon for people to experience depression and anxiety, and people with both conditions have been found to suffer from worse sleep. Sleep interruption can even lead to clinical depression or anxiety, as well as a host of other psychiatric conditions. Likewise, if you are depressed you may suffer from a variety of insomnia symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, poor restful sleep, and daytime sleepiness. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a disorder that involves pauses in breathing during sleep and a reduction in the body's oxygen levels, creating fragmented and disturbed sleep.
