{"id":3213,"date":"2021-03-06T23:41:44","date_gmt":"2021-03-06T23:41:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stillpointcounselingandwellness.com\/?p=3213"},"modified":"2021-03-06T23:41:44","modified_gmt":"2021-03-06T23:41:44","slug":"the-link-between-sleep-and-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stillpointcounselingandwellness.com\/?p=3213","title":{"rendered":"The Link Between Sleep and Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Spencer Lee, Intern<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sleep<\/span>\u00a0hygiene is an important part of our lives that can often fall by the wayside. Good\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0habits are important for everyone\u2019s health, but particularly so for those living with a psychiatric illness. Anywhere from 10% to 18% of the adult population in the U.S. experiences chronic\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0problems. Adults living with mental illness are a whopping 50% to 80% more likely to be affected with chronic\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0issues. Poor\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0quantity and quality have been shown to affect us more than we may know.<\/p>\n

For many people struggling with their physical and mental health, it may seem like\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0problems are a symptom of those struggles when they might actually be the cause. A lack of adequate\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0has both short and long-term effects. In the short term, our mood, judgment, and ability to learn and retain information are negatively impacted. In the long term, lack of quality\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0can lead to obesity, mood disorders, a weaker immune system, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, even a decreased life expectancy. Studies with both adults and children suggest that poor\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0may even heighten one\u2019s risk, or directly contribute to, the development of some psychiatric disorders like depression, bipolar, anxiety disorders, and ADHD.<\/p>\n

There are two different categories used to describe the types of insomnia – the inability to\u00a0sleep<\/span>. The first category describes insomnia in terms of its persistence. Insomnia is considered transient if it lasts less than a month, short-term if it continues for one to six months, and chronic if the problem persists longer than six months. Typical circumstances causing transient or short-term insomnia include the death of a loved one, nervousness about an upcoming event, jet lag, or discomfort from an illness or injury. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, is most often learned through conditioning. After experiencing a few sleepless nights, some people learn to associate the bedroom with being awake.<\/p>\n

The second category describes insomnia in terms of its characteristics.\u00a0Sleep<\/span>\u00a0onset insomnia is difficulty falling asleep.\u00a0Sleep<\/span>\u00a0maintenance insomnia is waking up in the middle of\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0and struggling to fall back asleep. Early morning waking insomnia is waking up before you plan on being awake or wish to be awake. It is common to experience these types of insomnia overlapping and changing over time.\u00a0Taking steps to cope with insomnia, napping during the day, drinking coffee, having a nightcap, or forgoing exercise only worsen the problem. As insomnia persists, anxiety regarding the insomnia may grow more intense, leading to an endless cycle in which fears about sleeplessness and its consequences become the main cause of insomnia.<\/p>\n

Treating your\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0problems has huge benefits. Many of the benefits are\u00a0directly opposite of the consequences, so having healthy\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0quality and quantity promotes a healthy weight, stronger immune system, lower risk for serious health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, reduced stress, improved mood, clarity in decision making, and better memory and learning. Consistent, quality\u00a0sleep<\/span>\u00a0is important for everyone but even more so for those living with psychiatric disorders. Following the tips below can drastically help you maintain your mental and physical health.<\/p>\n

Tips for better\u00a0sleep<\/span>:<\/p>\n