How to Improve Your Mental Health with a Good Night’s Sleep

Guest Blogger- Cheryl Conklin of www.wellnesscentral.info

Everyone knows that diet and exercise are two pillars of good physical health and mental well-being. But a lot of people forget about the importance of sleep! Getting a good night’s sleep—consistently—can have a wide range of positive effects on your overall wellness, especially when it comes to your mental health. If your sleep is a little lacking, keep reading to learn how you can boost your sleep quality tonight and enjoy better mental health tomorrow!


The Link Between Sleep and Mental Health


Make sure you understand just how important quality sleep is when it comes to coping with stress and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the day.

• During sleep, the body carries out essential processes like cell repair and hormone production which have a direct impact on energy levels and mood.
• Research shows that poor-quality sleep leads to an increased production of stress-related hormones such as cortisol.
• Lack of sleep also impacts your ability to control your emotions, causing emotional reactivity and leading to mood issues like depression. 

Relieve Stress with Relaxation Techniques


It’s normal to have a difficult time sleeping when you’re struggling with stress. Keep some relaxation techniques in your arsenal so you can relax before bed.

• Try yoga and meditation to quiet your mind when you’re feeling stressed.
• Progressive muscle relaxation is an effective way to relieve tension in your body before bed.
• When you need quick stress relief, work your way through some deep breathing exercises.
• From your bedroom to your home office, there are several ways to transform your home into a stress-reducing environment. 

Adopt a Routine


Few things are better for your sleep than sticking to a routine. A consistent daily schedule can also help you keep your mental health in check!

• Going to bed and getting up at the same time helps your body sleep as efficiently as possible so you always wake up feeling rested.
• Resist the temptation to stay up late and sleep in on weekends.
• For help sticking to your sleep routine, wind down every evening with a relaxing bedtime ritual.
• You can also try implementing a motivating morning routine to start your day off right.

If sleep deprivation is a common problem for you, as it is for a many people, take steps to improve your sleep—starting tonight! From implementing relaxation strategies during periods of stress to adopting a daily routine, there are several ways to fix your sleep quality and enjoy better mental health at the same time. Make sleep a priority in your wellness routine!