Mental Health and Sleep Insights
Everyone knows that getting enough sleep is crucial to proper health. Despite this, however, Business Insider Australia says that 40% of Australians are still sleep deprived, which unfortunately costs the entire country a total of $66 billion per year in medical and property damage expenses. A huge chunk of this comes from accidents on the road caused by sleep-deprived drivers who lose focus or completely fall asleep while behind the wheel. Sounds like a compelling reason to get enough sleep, right? Continue reading for more information on the mental health and sleep relationship below.
Improve focus
But improved driving skills is not the only benefit getting enough shut-eye brings. According to Chesapeake ADHD Center of Maryland Director Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., lack of sleep can cause ADHD-like symptoms, so making sure you get enough of it should help you concentrate better. Needless to say, better concentration should, in turn, help you become more productive throughout the day.
Alleviate the effects of mental illnesses
Medication and therapy have traditionally been the go-to treatments for mental illnesses like schizophrenia. New studies, however, are starting to bring to light the potential of getting enough shut-eye in helping patients better manage the various effects of their condition. In fact, a recent experiment found that sleep is effective in reducing the hallucinations and delusions caused by psychosis. While more controlled tests are needed to confirm the extent of the role of sleep in improving the overall condition of mental health patients, the results of this experiment have clearly shown its promise.
Be happier
Finally, studies have also shown that getting more sleep can lead to increased happiness. It probably has something to do with how when you are well-rested, your body functions at its peak, keeping everything—including the many different chemicals in your brain—perfectly balanced. In addition, people who get enough sleep also tend to have more energy throughout the day so they do not get tired and stressed as quickly.
The bottom line: a great day starts the night before
When was the last time you woke up actually feeling good? If getting up in the morning and making it through each day is a constant challenge for you, then it’s probably time to make a change in your sleeping habits. Keep in mind that at the end of the day, the better the quality of your sleep, the happier, healthier, more energetic and more focused you’ll be when you wake up the following morning.
Interested to Learn More?
The relationship between mental health and sleep is an important one. If you are interested to learn more or are looking for a range of great products to help improve your sleep, get in touch with our orthopaedic beds team on 1300 858 139 or through our online contact form to get started today!
Updated: 27/09/2022