Sleep Disorders
There is a strong connection between sleep disorders and mental health. Disruptions in sleep patterns may be caused by mental health conditions, such as depression. In addition, the symptoms of many physical and mental illnesses can also be worsened by a lack of sleep.
Sleep disorders are very common. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, in the United States 1 in 3 people experience trouble sleeping at least once a week. Sleep disorders can cause difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
Causes
There is no one cause for insomnia or other sleep disorders. Oftentimes there are many contributing factors causing the interferences with sleep. However, NAMI reported that roughly 50% of insomnia cases are related to depression, anxiety, and/or stress.
EFFECTS
Not getting enough sleep can cause many negative effects for an individual’s health. Many studies have shown the relationship between sleep and mental health. A lack of sleep can make mental illnesses worse or decrease the effectiveness of treatment. The negative effects that come along with sleep troubles illustrate the importance of improving your health by getting a goodnight’s rest.
Self Care
There are many ways that you can improve your ability to fall asleep and have quality rest. Although different methods of self care, self care practices that have been found to improve sleep disorders include:
- Sticking to a consistent schedule
- Prioritizing and making goals
- Relaxation techniques
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Increasing activity levels during the daytime
- Making your bedroom comfortable and ideal for sleep
Treatment
If your troubles sleeping persist, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider. Together, you can create a plan for treatment that is right for you. Treatment commonly includes:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aims to help individuals control negative thoughts that may be preventing them from being able to sleep.
- Medication is used at times to treat sleep disorders. However, many doctors agree that medications used for sleep should not be taken long term.
Learn More
To learn more about sleep disorder and how to improve your sleep, we recommend the following resources:
National Sleep Foundation: https://www.thensf.org/
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html
NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Sleep-Disorders
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