How sleep disorders and bad lifestyle impacts mental health and tips to avoid it

Poor sleep and unhealthy routines can worsen anxiety, depression, and stress. Here’s how to improve sleep for stronger mental health. (Image: Pexels)

The quality of our mental well-being is intertwined with the way we sleep and live. In these fast-paced times, filled with midnight keystrokes, extended screen time, unbalanced eating schedules, mental health is not a priority.

When we fail to get enough restful sleep, our brain is less able to regulate these emotions and process stressful events. Long-term sleep deprivation causes crankiness, moodiness, and anxiety at the very least, and long-term depression at worst. This problem is compounded even more by bad habits such as lack of exercise, poor diet, and high strung lifestyle.

Knowledge about the association between sleep, lifestyle and mental health, is crucial to prevent, says Dr Radhika Mehta,  Delhi- based Sleep and Mental Health Specialist. “Simple yet continuous course corrections can make a world of difference when it comes to mental resilience", she adds.

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The Sleep-Mental Health Connection

Sleep is important for cognitive activity, memory and emotional processes. Without enough sleep, the brain is unable to do the difficult work of managing stress and maintaining mood balance. Chronic lack of sleep is also strongly correlated with anxiety disorders, depression, and just plain grouchiness.

The Effect of an Unhealthy Lifestyle on Poor Sleep

Irregular food habits, lack of physical exercise, exposure to screens during late hours, etc., are all known to disrupt circadian rhythms. Excessive caffeine or alcohol also impairs deeper sleep phases. This poor sleep also makes people fatigued and stressed, which leaves them with shitty mental health.

Sleep problems and Mental Well-being

Insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome: ailments that rob you of sleep to the point of dysfunction. Those with sleep issues are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression and lack of focus. Unaddressed, sleep disorders put you in a perpetual mental fog, which results in reduced productivity and a compromised mood.

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Prevention for a Better Mental Health

Develop a Sleep Schedule: Try to get in and out of bed on the daily.

Put a Cap On Screen Time: Limit blue ell phone or tablets and no computer an hour from bedtime.

Eat Well: Avoid spiced or heavy food near bedtime.

Get Regular Exercise: Just 30 minutes of exercise a day will enhance your ability to sleep.

Stress Management: Try to be mindful, do some deep breathing, or unwinding with yoga before bed.

Get help for sleep problems: See a doctor if insomnia or apnea continues.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.