Last updated on May 22nd, 2025 at 03:35 pm
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We all know the importance of getting sufficient sleep. However, did you know that sleep hygiene can also transform your mental health?
If you’re curious, let’s explore this awesome phenomenon further.
The importance of sleep for mental well-being
Sleep is essential for our well-being. It allows our bodies to receive a much-deserved break after working all day long.
Although getting enough sleep is the golden ticket we need, its awesomeness goes beyond physical recovery.
Our minds also need the same attention when it comes to rest.
According to the Sleep Foundation, around 75% of people who are dealing with depression also have a connection with a lack of sleep. Sleep hygiene can do so much more for our mental health.
How sleep deprivation can affect your mental health
Although getting enough sleep is important, it’s also important to look at the effects of not getting enough rest.
Lack of sleep should also be concerning.
A study revealed that sleep deprivation may be just as harmful to mental health.
The results found that if a participant was facing mental health challenges, sleep deprivation increased them. This may contribute to the onset, recurrence, or decline in mental health conditions.
Another study revealed that approximately 4% to 26 % encounter sleep problems, including sleep apnea, which can affect how well a person breathes while sleeping.
If left unattended, this can also possibly lead to sleep disorders.
As a result, sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on mental health.
How insomnia may affect your mental health
Insomnia can be seen as a more intense form of sleep deprivation.
The same study shows that people who struggle with insomnia are up to 17 times more susceptible to experiencing anxiety and depression.
And to make matters worse, sleep deprivation can also possibly induce post-traumatic stress disorder.
Furthermore, this can also negatively impact your eating habits, as well. If this sounds like it’s a lot, don’t be worried.
This highlights how insomnia can cause a snowball effect on both your physical and mental health.
So, I hope you see why it’s important to make sleep a priority.
How better sleep is key to better mental health
Research shows that one-third of the general population suffers from insomnia. Although that definition may seem one-sided, it can be understood from different perspectives.
Trouble with sleep may include struggling to fall asleep or to remain asleep for the rest of the night.
So, the study’s goal was to see if better sleep quality could contribute to better mental health.
The results of the study showed that good sleep does improve mental health, further emphasizing the importance of sleep hygiene.
The connection between sleep hygiene and mental health
Now we know that sleep is not only good for our bodies but is also important for mental clarity.
This is something to think about, regardless of whether you’re pursuing better mental health. Also, being aware of how mental health can be affected by sleep can help ease mental health challenges.
Plus, prioritising sleep isn’t something you’ll need to spend money on.
I hope these 5 benefits will inspire you to take your sleep hygiene goals to a whole new level.
How sleep hygiene can boost your mental well-being
Feeling well-rested isn’t great for physical well-being, but it can boost productivity levels as well.
Can you relate to this feeling?
When you feel well-rested, don’t you feel like you’re ready to tackle what the day holds? If you miss that feeling, let this be your sign that it’s time to prioritise sleep again.
After all, sleep is a necessity for overall good health. It shouldn’t be any different, your mental health, too.
So, if you’re ready, let’s get into the 5 awesome benefits of sleep for mental well-being.
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5 powerful benefits of sleep hygiene for mental health
Here are 5 ways that sleep can help boost your mental well-being.
1. Sufficient sleep can help you become more prepared to do your daily tasks
Research suggests that the more sleep you get, the better equipped you are to face whatever the day may throw at you.
Additionally, this further emphasizes how vital sleep hygiene is to ensure that your mental health is at its tip-top shape.
As a practical example, think about how you feel and function when you feel well-rested versus on days when you didn’t sleep well.
I certainly can feel the difference on those days.
2. Sleep hygiene can be a great source of motivation
I have seen how a good night’s sleep works wonders for my mental health and well-being.
From my experience, I have felt more energetic and willing to live the day that God has blessed me with.
I can attest that on days when I didn’t sleep so well, I tend to feel the complete opposite. As a result, the feeling falls flat.
This yoyo experience made me see that I need to do my best to get enough sleep.
So, if you also strive to feel your best, good sleep hygiene should be a priority.
3. Sleep hygiene can help you feel sharp
Because sleep deprivation can wreak havoc, what happens when sleep becomes a priority?
Getting enough sleep can be the boost your mental health needs.
How so?
Well, research further shows that sufficient sleep hygiene can help you think more clearly, reduce anxiety, and help you handle anxiety better.
So, are you ready to tuck into bed earlier tonight?
4. Sleep can help increase your energy levels
Although sleep might seem passive, it can have a direct impact on your energy levels.
Getting enough sleep can also help keep exhaustion at bay, and I can attest to that.
Sometimes, I notice that I experience fatigue when I skimp on sleep.
Furthermore, I saw how this caused a stumbling block in my mental health and overall life.
However, when I slept well, I felt more energy to live out the following day.
My energy levels improved as well. We should allow our bodies to recharge so we can take on what’s next.
5. Sleep can help speed up your recovery
When facing challenges in the mental health realm, especially when battling depression, sleepless nights are often unwelcome companions.
I’ve gone through seasons where sleeplessness was a constant struggle. However, sleep has helped me a lot.
Sure, it wasn’t an instant remedy, but getting quality sleep became a critical element in my healing process.
As I prioritized sleep more, I noticed that I recovered from stressful situations that left me physically and mentally drained.
Although it wasn’t an instant process, it certainly did do so much for me, and I hope you experience the same thing.
Bonus tips to boost your sleep hygiene for better mental health
-Incorporate a relaxing routine to help you calm down before you sleep. This can include the likes of stretching and deep breathing to help you relax.
-Consider journaling before bedtime. It can help you have better clarity from all those thoughts that may be crowding your mind.
-For more focus on faith, consider prayer. You can take what you have journaled about in prayer to God because He loves you and wants to be your Comforter.
-Indulge in calming beverages such as chamomile tea to help you relax.
-For extra support, incorporating supplements could also help you. Consider consulting your healthcare professional, as this doesn’t count as medical advice.
Conclusion
Sleep is a great weapon to store in your self-care and mental health arsenal. Sleep hygiene boosts mental health in many ways.
This can range from helping you stay focused on your daily tasks to speeding up your recovery process.
It’s also worth noting how sleep deprivation can hurt us in the long run.
However, by incorporating these bonus tips, I hope you make time for yourself and become motivated to make sleep a top priority.
Now I want to hear from you. How has going to sleep helped you feel your best mentally? Let me know in the comments below.
Additionally, if you found the post helpful, please share it on social media.
Also, grab your free downloadable self-care checklist below.
Until next time, please take care.