Insomnia is a common problem throughout the world. According to estimates, it is believed to affect approximately 33% of the world’s population.1 Even people without chronic insomnia often struggle with sleep problems.
A third of adults in the United States report getting less than the recommended amount of sleep each night, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).2 Because of this, it’s important to know how sleep affects mental health and well-being.
How Does Lack of Sleep Affect Mental Health?
Research recommends that the connection between rest and emotional well-being is mind-boggling. Although it has long been known that many psychiatric conditions are brought on by a lack of sleep, more recent research suggests that it may also play a causal role in the onset and persistence of various mental health issues.
- Brain Fog
Our cerebrums need rest to work at full limit. Brain fog, which frequently manifests as confusion or difficulty concentrating, can result from insufficient sleep. You might find it more challenging to review specific recollections or find the right words for what you need to say when you didn’t get sufficient rest the prior night.
- Mood Changes
Not getting sufficient rest might cause mindset changes, including expanded crabbiness. One study found that sleep deprivation also caused participants to feel anxious and depressed7. Anger and aggression can rise when people don’t get enough sleep.
- Stress
Thinking about your poor sleep quality can even be a source of stress. You know that you need to get a good night’s sleep, but then find yourself worrying that you won’t be able to fall or stay asleep.
Impact of Sleep on Mental Health Conditions
Sleep can greatly impact symptoms of mental health conditions. Though more research is needed on the subject, researchers also suspect that sleep can contribute to the development of mental health conditions.
- Depression
Although insomnia and other sleep issues can be signs of depression, more recent studies have shown that not getting enough sleep actually makes people depressed.
One investigation of 21 unique examinations found that individuals who experience sleep deprivation have a two-crease chance of creating misery contrasted with the people who don’t have issues resting.
- Anxiety
Sleep and anxiety appear to be linked in both directions, as they are with many other mental illnesses. Anxious people are more likely to have trouble sleeping, but not getting enough sleep can also make them feel anxious.
- Bipolar Disorder
Sleep disturbances are very common among people with bipolar disorder. Such problems can include insomnia, irregular sleep-wake cycles, and nightmares.
Getting Help
Getting better rest isn’t a fix or a convenient solution for psychological wellness issues, however, it tends to be a significant piece of an exhaustive treatment plan. Researchers are hopeful that finding ways to improve sleep may have a beneficial effect on a number of conditions because of the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mental health.