You may think that not getting enough sleep isn’t a big deal. But the same affects our mental health in a big way. Here’s what you need to know.
It is said that adults need to get average sleep of about at least 7 hours daily. But many of us are caught up in meeting deadlines. As a result for some, even getting 5 hours of sleep is an accomplishment. You may think that lack of sleep isn’t a big deal as you can always cover up for it when you get the time. But the more you let it happen, the more harm you are causing to your mental health. That’s right folks; insufficient sleep directly impacts our mental wellness.
Insomnia and sleep trouble
The reasons for lack of sleep can be sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, etc., or mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression. The paradox here is that anxiety and depression can cause sleep trouble. But the vice- versa also holds. Lack of sleep is a cause as well as a symptom of these conditions. Hence it’s a vicious cycle that you need to get out of.
Mental health conditions caused by lack of sleep
Here’s how lack of sleep affects your mental health, in a way you may not be aware of.
1. Depression: The Telegraph mentions a study that states that sleep disorders such as insomnia can either result in depression or worsen the condition for those already suffering from it. The write-up quotes a scientist that lack of sleep is always considered a symptom of mental health illness and not the cause of them. “It was just so easy to say about a patient, well, he’s depressed or schizophrenic, of course, he’s not sleeping well – and never to ask whether there could be a causal relationship the other way,” says Robert Stickgold, a sleep researcher at Harvard University.
The research further suggests that even conditions such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and attention deficit syndrome can be caused due to lack of sleep. It also adds that a disorder like sleep apnea can increase the symptoms of depression.
2. Anxiety disorders: Even though lack of sleep is a symptom of a mental health condition like anxiety, it can cause and even worsen it. Sleepadvisor mentions that those not sleeping sufficiently, have a chance of developing anxiety in the long run.
3. Paranoia and hallucinations: These are symptoms of a mental health condition called Schizophrenia. But strangely enough, people who go without 24 hours of sleep can experience these very symptoms. A study of the University of Bonn mentions the same.
4. Poor concentration levels: It’s evident that to have your mental health in check, getting sufficient sleep is vital. Without it, you will face problems with your concentration levels. It also affects your ability to concentrate, thus affecting your productivity levels.
5. Memory loss: Webmd mentions a quote by Avelino Verceles, MD, and assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, who says that “Sleep embeds the things that we have learned and experienced over the course of the day into our short-term memory.” Our memories become stronger during sleep. Therefore the lack of it is bound to affect our ability to remember things.
6. Hyperactivity: This is a symptom of a mental health condition called ADHD. However, it is also significantly found in kids who don’t get enough sleep. This in turn also impacts their ability to learn.
7. Slow reaction time: If you don’t react in time to dangerous situations, it can cause immense damage and even death. This mental health condition is mainly recorded in drivers. Webmd mentions a research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which says that at least 100,000 traffic accidents caused are due to driver fatigue.
8: Extreme mood changes: Lack of sleep can affect your mood significantly. It can make you angry, irritable and lower your ability to cope with stress.
If you want to get rid of your sleep trouble, here are 9 tricks that you can try.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice but suggested techniques that you can try. If none of these seems to work, you may need an advanced form of treatment.
Here’s a long-lasting solution to get rid of your sleep troubles
Neurofeedback: With this treatment, you can overcome your sleep troubles completely. To learn more, watch this video.
In addition to these tips, Brain & Co. offers med-free treatment that could help you overcome some of the challenges that come with depression/anxiety/sleep issues etc. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more.
