When it comes to getting a good night's rest, there are many factors that can impact both the quantity and quality of our sleep. One of the easiest ways to focus on improving sleep is to improve something called "sleep hygiene." Put simply, if we are consistent about engaging in certain habits, our sleep quantity and quality can improve quite a bit. Some examples of good sleep hygiene include:
Getting lots of movement and sunlight during the day
Turning screens off at least one hour before bed
Avoiding heavy meals or alcohol before bed
Creating a cool and calm sleep environment
You might be thinking, "This is all good information, but what does this have to do with my anxiety or depression?" As it turns out, sleep can have a large impact on our mood. It can induce bad moods or anxiety (ever wake up on "the wrong side of the bed" after a poor night's sleep?). It can also make existing mood and anxiety symptoms worse, which cyclically decrease the quality and quantity of our sleep. Read more about the relationship between sleep and mood here: https://www.thensf.org/how-is-your-sleep-health-linked-to-your-mental-health/
By working to improve sleep, as well as the other "Basic" areas, mood and anxiety symptoms can lessen or even improve over time. Giving your body and mind a solid foundation to work from can help you more easily learn and use strategies to deal with everything from mild life stressors to major mood or anxiety episodes. Be sure to read through the rest of "The Basics" blog posts that are coming up to discover more ways improve the quality of your life.
If this post contained information on topics you'd like to work on in your own life, reach out and schedule your free consultation session today at (561) 420-9473!
** Disclaimer: This blog is not medical advice. Every individual's circumstances are unique and this post contains general information that may not pertain to everyone. If you have any questions or would like to set up an intake to discuss your situation, please contact me at palmbeachpsych@icloud.com or (561) 420-9473.
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