Fundamentals by Lynn Crilly

Author:Lynn Crilly [Natasha Devon and Lynn Crilly]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781784182977
Publisher: John Blake Publishing
Published: 2015-07-03T16:00:00+00:00

SLEEP

There is a close relationship between sleep and mental health. Many people who experience mental health issues also experience disturbed sleep patterns or insomnia. Over a long period of time, disturbed sleep can actually lead to a mental health problem or make an existing mental health issue worse.

‘I suffered with insomnia during my anxiety phase and it made things worse. Your brain is cloudy and foggy and it doesn’t allow you to think rationally about anything.’ Tea, 34

Lack of sleep can lead to:

Struggling to deal with everyday life

Reduced ability to deal with difficult situations

Lowered self-esteem through inability to cope

Feelings of loneliness

Inability to carry out usual social activities through fatigue

Social isolation

Depression/anxiety

Low mood

Lowered energy levels

Lack of sleep can also be a symptom of many common mental illnesses, particularly depression, so the situation can become ‘chicken and egg’.

Most importantly, being tired can affect your ability to rationalise anxieties and banish irrational thoughts. This can feed into negative thinking patterns which are often associated with poor mental health.

Sleep is not just time out from our busy routine, we all need sleep to help both our minds and bodies recover from the stresses of everyday life. Sleep is a healing process. I’m a great believer that people who are battling negative thoughts or mental health issues can help to recharge their mind by having a small nap during the day. This helps to clear the mind (although the issue shouldn’t be forced, as insomnia can be a touchy subject for those experiencing it).

‘I find it is particularly hard to maintain a positive outlook when I haven’t slept well. I get angry or offended easily and my enthusiasm to participate in things I usually enjoy, like exercise, is dampened.’ Jess, 31

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