Everyone knows how sleep affects their mood. After a night of tossing and turning, you’re more likely to be irritable and stressed, while with a night of good sleep your mood often stabilizes. Not only does sleep affect mood, but your mood and your mental health state can also affect sleep. Here are some of the ways mood affects your sleep:
The Connection Between Insomnia and Mental Health
There’s a clear connection between psychiatric and psychological problems and sleep. Those who are depressed or have anxiety often have trouble with sleep as part of those disorders. Stress and anxiety increase arousal in the body and can exacerbate an existing sleep disorder and cause many more sleepless nights. People who are under constant stress or who have abnormally exaggerated responses to stress tend to have sleep problems.
Having trouble sleeping is a symptom of depression and studies have found that 15 to 20 percent of patients diagnosed with insomnia will develop major depression. While sleep research is still exploring the connections between depression and sleep, studies show that depressed people often have abnormal sleeping patterns. Sleep problems may, in turn, contribute to psychological issues. For example, chronic insomnia increases a person’s risk of developing a mood disorder.
Improve Your Mood and Your Sleep
If you sleep poorly and feel depressed, anxious, or less emotionally responsive, there are many treatments that can help improve your mood. First, look at your sleep habits and see if there are steps that you can take on your own to improve the quantity and quality of your sleep. Read our blog “4 Steps to A Better Night’s Sleep” for some ways to find a better sleep schedule.
Of course, if your problems persist, it’s important to have a medical provider or therapist evaluate your mental health and sleep problems. After an evaluation and diagnosis, your provider can advise you on the best treatment plan. These options may include therapy, medication, or other treatment solutions.
Sweet Dreams Are Made of These
If you’re concerned about your quality of sleep, schedule a visit to be evaluated at Whitney Sleep Center. We encourage you to set up an appointment at one of our Minnesota locations. Get better sleep: contact us today at masonw@whitneysleepcenter.com or visit our website.