Sleep impacts mental health in many ways and can negatively affect a whole day if not getting enough. It is important to connect with our mind, body and soul everyday to experience peace and tranquility within ourselves and healthy sleep hygiene is key to connecting and restoring peace.
According to Columbia Psychiatry.org, insufficient sleep can negatively impact emotional responses to stressors and can decrease positive emotions. This supports the importance of sleep for brain and body functions that help to navigate the emotions and behaviors of daily life.
Ways that can influence better sleep is to establish a soothing environment and pre-sleep schedule. According to jenniferadams.com, relaxing activities benefit sleep by creating an easing transition. This can include reading, prayer, meditation or taking a warm bath. Eliminating all blue lights and screens an hour before bed is also helpful for a good night’s rest. Activities that bring peace and a calm mind help to prepare for sleep, wind down the body and soul and let rejuvenation begin.
In order for a more positive mindset and a self care attitude, we should also be considering the effects unhealthy sleep habits can have. According to sleepfoundation.org, depression, seasonal affective disorder and anxiety disorders are just some of the disorders that can result from poor sleep hygiene.
We need to understand the effects sleep can have on ourselves and how we can better our mental health. Sleep is not only important for us physically but also mentally and is a refreshment each night to restore our peace within ourselves.
