Has lack of sleep been affecting your mental health? If so, then this weeks edition of Food for Thought is for you. Research conducted by Juliana Nunes Ramos provides some helpful information on how poor sleep quality increases your risk for mental health issues. Check out the article if you are interested in reading more.
Unsurprisingly, poor sleep quality is a common complaint that comes up in session regularly. Unfortunately it’s often disregarded as just another “symptom” of stress or anxiety. Often I find myself doing quite a bit of psych education on the importance of sleep, with the hope of encouraging my clients to understand that often times it is the cause of the mental distress- rather than the symptom. Indeed, good sleep hygiene is the backbone of all well being. Regardless of one’s individual schedule; whether they need 6 or 9 hours, night owl or morning person.
As we approach exam season students become more vulnerable to sleep disorders which in turn affects health and academic performance. According to research conducted by Juliana Nunes Ramos, 1113 undergraduate students were surveyed to study the link between poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms and their perceived stress levels. Interestingly, the study found a significant link between the sleep quality factors and depressive issues / mod-high stress levels. More specifically, students with poor sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness are more likely to suffer from depression and stress and are put at a higher risk for mental health problems. The results of this study serve to remind each of us of the absolute necessity for good sleep hygiene and the critical impact it has on our mental health.
Click the link below to access the full article written by Taylor & Francis Group.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211102111148.htm