Are you a “night owl” – someone who stays up until late at night or early in the morning? Do you have young children who keep you awake at night?
With family, work, and other life commitments, many of us are unable to get the necessary 7 – 8 hours of sleep.
In the midst of a busy, active lifestyle it can be easy to dismiss sleep as unimportant in maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle – but is that true? How important is a good night’s sleep to our mental health?
Mental Health and Sleep
Mental health and sleep are closely connected. In fact, poor sleep has been linked to several mental and physical health problems, including a greater risk of anxiety and depression, increased risk of heart disease, impaired memory, and other health problems.
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
To get a good night’s sleep, Pearl Behavioral Health & Medicine PLLC, a provider of telemental health services in New Jersey, offers the following suggestions.
- Set a Consistent Bedtime
Your body craves consistency. Moreover, you are more likely to get enough sleep if you schedule a regular sleep time. - Exercise
Working out can improve sleep in various ways. For one, it can relieve muscle tension which can help you relax. However, don’t work out right before your bedtime as exercising might make you more alert. If you like, try some gentle upper-body stretches to help you relax and transition into sleep. - De-Stress Yourself
Relax by meditating, taking a hot bath, or listening to soothing music while lying in bed. Turn off your daytime worries by finishing any next-day preparations at least an hour before your bedtime. - De-Caffeinate
Many of us drink coffee to stay awake during the day. However, drinking coffee and other caffeinated drinks throughout the day can keep you up at night. Avoid drinking coffee at least 6-8 hours before bed.
How We Can Help
Experiencing sleep problems? We can help! We offer behavioral health services in New York that can help address any sleep-related issues you may be having.
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