Adequate sleep improves your mental health

Adequate sleep improves your mental health.

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good mental health.

Without a doubt, sleep helps to regulate our emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve our ability to concentrate and make decisions. Therefore, when we don’t get enough sleep, we’re more likely to experience mood swings, irritability, and difficulty coping with daily challenges. Stress affects a huge part of our life, including fertility, and poor sleep habits build up stress.

While you sleep, your body supports healthy brain function and maintains your physical health.

Furthermore, sleep helps children and young people grow mentally and physically.

Studies show people who are sleep-deprived are more moody, irritable, angry, sad or frustrated.

Sleeplessness can be a marker of conditions such as anxiety and depression or contribute to developing mood and mental health disorders. Consequently, sleep disorders like insomnia, narcolepsy and sleep apnea have lifestyle impacts.

We can improve our overall mental health and well-being by prioritizing good sleep.

How much sleep do you need?

How much sleep you need depends on age, physical activity, and general well-being. For instance, a pregnant woman may notice changes in her sleep pattern due to hormonal changes. However, constant fatigue may be a sign of anemia. 

We recommend 9-10 hours of sleep for children and teenagers. Younger children tend to sleep and wake earlier, but as they grow into teenagers, they get tired later and sleep in. Adults need 8 hours of sleep. You may need more sleep if you (or your children) are tired during the day.

Tips for getting a good night’s sleep

• – Stick to a consistent sleep schedule daily
  – Have a relaxing bedtime routine to prepare you for bed
  – Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bedtime
  – Make sure your bedroom is calm, quiet, and dark
  – Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows
  – Limit your exposure to screens before bed
  – Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime
  – Avoid eating heavy or spicy meals before bedtime
  – Incorporate deep breathing, meditation and other relaxing methods

  By incorporating these tips into your routine, you will sleep better and wake up energized. Sleep trouble may be a pointer to a lifestyle change you need to make. If the situation is persistent, however, you should see a doctor.

We take bookings and appointments through various channels if you need to speak to a doctor. You can walk into any of our hospitals without booking an appointment. Contact our customer care numbers, +234 703 620 2190 (Omole) or +234 706 837 2987 (Adeniyi Jones) for enquiries.