A lot of people struggle to get a good night’s sleep, and there are many factors in your life that can be affecting your ability to catch some Z’s. You may not have realized, however, how much your mental health may be impacting your sleep habits. According to the Mental Health Foundation, there are a few reasons why mental health can cause problems with sleep. First of all, when you’re dealing with anxiety or stress, your body is in a “fight or flight” mode, which means that it’s preparing for danger. This can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and make it difficult to relax enough to fall asleep.
Additionally, people who are depressed may have trouble sleeping because they’re experiencing negative thoughts and emotions that make it hard to drift off. Other mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mania can also affect your sleep. PTSD can increase your risk of nightmares while mania can make you feel so energetic that you can’t sleep at all. If you’re having trouble sleeping, it’s important to talk to your doctor about any mental health concerns you may have.
The importance of taking care of your mental health
Although there have been more public discussions about mental health in recent years, many people still push concerns to the side, especially when they are not visible. It’s easy to downplay the importance of something that we cannot see, but our mental health is just as vital as our physical health. Just like our physical health, when our mental health is unbalanced, it can lead to a host of problems.
Poor mental health can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases, sleep problems, and addictions (via WebMD). It can also lead to social isolation, relationship problems, and even job loss. According to Verywell Mind, having good mental health helps you better cope with stressors, increases your self-image, and improves your relationships. If you are concerned about your mental health, visit a doctor or therapist with your concerns. While a healthy lifestyle is important, everyone’s treatment plan will be different. A healthcare professional can assess your life and give you the help you need.
