Healthwatch by Shyft

Looking to improve your sleep quality?
Leave your details, we will set up your online trial class
Deepali Verma

Trainer | 8 Yrs. of experience

Shailja Chettri

Trainer | 3 Yrs. of experience

Shweta Rao

Trainer | 8 Yrs. of experience

Enter your details

How does poor sleep affect your mental health?

How does poor sleep affect your mental health?
Content
Content

Sleep deprivation of any kind, be it acute or severe, can have detrimental impacts on your health. We do know that it can be a contributing factor to heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but how does poor sleep impact your mental health?

Let’s find out!

The relationship between sleep and mental health

During the various sleep stages that make up the sleep pattern, brain activity changes, rising and falling. Each stage contributes to brain health by allowing activity in various parts of the brain to ramp up or down and promoting improved memory, learning, and thought processes.

The processing of emotional information by the brain is facilitated by getting enough slumber, particularly REM sleep. The consolidation of positive emotional content appears to be particularly harmed by sleep deprivation because sleep is when the brain works to assess and recall thoughts and memories. This is linked to the severity of mental health problems and can affect mood and emotional reactivity.

Sleep and Mental Health problems

The perception that only mental health disorders can cause poor sleep is being brought into question. The relationship is regarded as bidirectional. Let’s take a look at how poor sleep can impact your mental health, about specific problems:

  1. Depression: The number of individuals who suffer from depression, a type of mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness or hopelessness, is thought to be over 300 million. Around 75% of those who are depressed experience insomnia and hypersomnia. There is mounting proof that lack of sleep can cause or worsen depression. This may result in a vicious cycle wherein insomnia worsens depression, which then disturbs sleep even more.
  1. Anxiety: Sleep issues have a significant correlation with anxiety disorders. As the mind races due to worry and fear, insomnia is a result of this hyperarousal condition. The relationship between PTSD and sleep has been discovered to be particularly strong. People who have PTSD frequently replay traumatic events in their thoughts, experience nightmares, and feel constantly alert. All of these symptoms can make it difficult for them to fall asleep.
  2. Bipolar: Extreme mood swings, including both high (mania) and low (manic) bouts, are a symptom of bipolar disorder (depression). According to their emotional condition, the sleep habits of those with bipolar disorder differ tremendously. There is proof that poor sleep causes or exacerbates manic and depressive episodes. According to research, many individuals with bipolar disorder notice changes in their sleep habits before the start of an episode.
  3. ADHD: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by a short attention span and increased impulsivity. ADHD sufferers frequently experience sleep issues. People with ADHD also seem to have greater rates of other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome (RLS). In addition to being a result of ADHD, sleep issues can make signs like a short attention span or behavioural issues worse.
  1. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by trouble distinguishing between real and unreal things. Insomnia and irregular circadian rhythms are more prevalent in people with schizophrenia. The use of drugs to manage schizophrenia may make sleep issues worse.

What can be concluded from these descriptions is the fact that while sleep may not be the causal factor for these disorders but it can surely worsen the symptoms. This also means that having a good sleep schedule becomes a possible solution, that can alleviate some if not all symptoms.


Author:
Shyft Health

Shyft

linkedin
Shyft is your trusted source for health and wellness insights. We collaborate with a network of writers and health experts to curate evidence-based content. This content is further vetted and reviewed by our team of internal experts. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with reliable, accessible health information so you can make informed choices for a healthier life. read more

Over 20,000 customers have reduced their symptoms and improved their health by consulting Shyft's Clinical Nutritionists. When are you starting?

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Read more

Continue to read on a range of topics related to Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health and Sleep Health.

Bipolar Disorder Medication Management: A Guide to Understanding Types and Side Effects

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from depressive to manic episodes. While therapy and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition, medication is often a critical component of treatment. This article will guide medication management for bipolar disorder, including an overview of the different types of medications, how they work, and their potential side effects. Types of Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder Mood stabilizers… Read more

Most read

Bipolar Disorder Medication Management: A Guide to Understanding Types and Side Effects

Bipolar Disorder Medication Management: A Guide to Understanding Types and Side Effects

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from depressive to manic episodes. While therapy and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition, medication is often a critical component of treatment. This article will guide medication management for bipolar disorder, including an overview of the different types of medications, how they work, and their potential side effects. Types of Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder Mood stabilizers…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

05 Apr 2023

Most read

When ADHD Comes with Extra Baggage: Understanding the Comorbidities

Plus one, a lot of baggage incoming! Isn’t that the case with most things and situations in life? They come in with a lot of baggage you didn’t sign up for. In some cases, you haven’t even signed up for the situation itself, yet here you are dealing with it and the copious amount of baggage it has brought. The case with ADHD is not very different. Studies have shown that more than two third of individuals diagnosed with ADHD… Read more

When ADHD Comes with Extra Baggage: Understanding the Comorbidities

When ADHD Comes with Extra Baggage: Understanding the Comorbidities

Plus one, a lot of baggage incoming! Isn’t that the case with most things and situations in life? They come in with a lot of baggage you didn’t sign up for. In some cases, you haven’t even signed up for the situation itself, yet here you are dealing with it and the copious amount of baggage it has brought. The case with ADHD is not very different. Studies have shown that more than two third of individuals diagnosed with ADHD…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Stress Management During Pregnancy

4 minutes

06 Apr 2023

Stress Management During Pregnancy

It is common for moms-to-be to have feelings of anxiety during their pregnancy. They may stress about the well-being of their baby, stress about preparing for the baby's arrival, stress about their bodies, and stress about the changes in their body. Especially the hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence your mood and these mood swings can make dealing with stress even more difficult. If stress persists during pregnancy, it can increase the chances of having a preterm baby (born before… Read more

Stress Management During Pregnancy

Stress Management During Pregnancy

It is common for moms-to-be to have feelings of anxiety during their pregnancy. They may stress about the well-being of their baby, stress about preparing for the baby's arrival, stress about their bodies, and stress about the changes in their body. Especially the hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence your mood and these mood swings can make dealing with stress even more difficult. If stress persists during pregnancy, it can increase the chances of having a preterm baby (born before…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Feeling unhappy? It might be connected to your wandering mind

Ever started day-dreaming in the middle of a meeting? Or found yourself lying awake in the middle of the night thinking about all the chances you didn’t take? Well, you’re not alone.  Mind-wandering - or the process of having thoughts that’s not immediately related to your current task or environment - is a universally human experience. In fact, humans might be the only species who actually does this: spend a lot of time contemplating past or future events or even… Read more

Editor’s pick

Feeling unhappy? It might be connected to your wandering mind

Feeling unhappy? It might be connected to your wandering mind

Ever started day-dreaming in the middle of a meeting? Or found yourself lying awake in the middle of the night thinking about all the chances you didn’t take? Well, you’re not alone.  Mind-wandering - or the process of having thoughts that’s not immediately related to your current task or environment - is a universally human experience. In fact, humans might be the only species who actually does this: spend a lot of time contemplating past or future events or even…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

02 Feb 2024

Editor’s pick

Checkout some healthy recipes that taste good, approved by our nutritionists

View all
Understanding Metabolism

Prawn Pakoda

A crispy preparation of prawns marinated in flavourful batter - a perfect snack for all age groups.

12 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Tomato Sambar

A delicious variation of classic South Indian sambhar that makes for a hearty and comforting meal.

14 INGREDIENTS

|

60 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Creamy Veggie Pasta

Pasta packed with veggies and tossed in a creamy, rich white sauce - perfect for sneaking vegetables into your kids’ diets!

7 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Power Smoothie

A bright and refreshing smoothie with goodness of mango and coconut water.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

10 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Lemon Steamed Broccoli

A quick & easy to prepare salad with the goodness of broccoli.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Spinach and Egg Curry

Wholesome and finger-licking curry made with spinach and boiled eggs

13 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Chicken Hummus Salad

A filling non vegetarian, ideal for meal times

7 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

View all