We all know that getting a good night’s sleep is important for our physical health, but did you know that it’s also essential for our mental health? Sleep deprivation can lead to a wide range of mental health problems and can make existing problems worse. In this blog post, I’ll discuss the importance of sleep on mental health, and offer some tips for getting a good night’s sleep.
Sleep deprivation is a condition where an individual has experienced a lack of sufficient sleep as recommended for healthy functioning. A person can become sleep deprived from poor sleeping habits such as overuse of technology close to bedtime, unhealthy dietary choices, or through medical conditions that interfere with natural sleep. Signs include feeling constantly tired and exhausted, restlessness, increased irritability, difficulty concentrating and forming thoughts, impaired memory and decision-making processes, depression and anxiety. In more serious cases people can resort to using sleeping pills to achieve relief. However, this can exacerbate the problem if continued over time. I’ve had clients who come into treatment having used sleeping pills for years and I link these clients to a psychiatrist to talk about alternatives to sleeping pills (or strategies to reduce use), as the body can become dependent. The goal (if possible) is returning to a natural sleep cycle, and this helps optimize your mental health.
Sleep deprivation has become a major problem in modern society, yet its effects on mental health are often overlooked. When I first meet someone for EMDR therapy in Fort Lauderdale, I ask questions about sleep quality. I often use the analogy of a car that requires the expensive octane gas. If you put low octane it, it will work but it will be sluggish. Humans are the same. If we only get a few hours of sleep, we will function, but we will be slow, likely exhausted, and if we are experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, they are likely worsened because of our poor sleep.
Decompensation occurs when a person’s overall well-being is affected by their lack of sleep. This can lead to worsening depression, anxiety, and exacerbated symptoms of mental illness. As the amount of sleep an individual gets decreases, so does their ability to regulate emotions and manage stress which further intensifies these issues. Even worse, due to many other daily pressures, those with diagnosed mental disorder may be more prone to insomnia which becomes a vicious cycle that worsens their condition significantly over time.
How to get better sleep
Creating sleep hygiene is a critical step in achieving quality sleep on a consistent basis. To start, develop a set bedtime routine that does not involve any electronic devices such as your phone, laptop, or TV. Create a dark and cool room for sleep by using blackout curtains, investing in an air conditioner, and/or using a fan to keep air circulating. Furthermore, adding a weighted blanket to your sleep environment can be very beneficial. This type of blanket helps provide grounded feeling during sleep while increasing overall sleep quality. By following these tips and regularly completing sleep hygiene activities you will be able to achieve the quality sleep you need to feel refreshed and energized the next day.
Sleep deprivation can be a major issue for many people, leaving them feeling exhausted and unable to function throughout the day. Fortunately, there are resources available to help. Your therapist can help with sleep hygiene resources or refer you to a sleep specialist. Additionally, there are many apps that offer online sleep improvement programs that teach strategies for improving your natural sleep patterns (just don’t use the phone before bed). Finally, it can be beneficial to adjust your daily habits by avoiding caffeinated drinks in the afternoon, exercising regularly but not close to bedtime and reducing exposure to blue light before going to bed. Taking small steps like these can make a big difference in helping you overcome and manage your sleep deprivation.
If you are interested learning more about therapy in Fort Lauderdale, EMDR therapy in Fort Lauderdale, EMDR Certified therapist who takes insurance in Fort Lauderdale or Brainspotting in Fort Lauderdale or EMDR Telehealth in Florida, reach out today. You can click here to contact us or call 754-946-6600.
Jordan Nodelman, LCSW, LICSW provides compassionate care in a judgment free zone. We are LGBTQI+ competent. We have also worked with the military, First Responders, police and fire fighters.
Located in Wilton Manors, FL, Located in Fort Lauderdale, the office is safe and tucked away for confidentiality and for peace of mind.
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist in Fort Lauderdale and provide telehealth in Florida, telehealth in Washington DC and telehealth in Virginia.
Therapist for first responders, therapist for police, therapist for PTSD
EMDR therapist who takes United Healthcare in Fort Lauderdale.
EMDR therapist who takes Oxford in Fort Lauderdale.
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