The Importance of Sleep for Your Mentality (Coral)
Everyone has had a bad day. You could be experiencing the overwhelming feeling of disappointing others at work or the frustration of your favorite food place getting your order wrong. You are overwhelmed and exhausted; you decide to just go to sleep.
The next day, you wake up with a different mindset. Actually, that wrong order got you to try new foods, and you did do a good job and met all the expectations of yesterday. You feel better about yesterday and wonder, what magical mood booster happened overnight? Sleep.
Quality Sleep Can Help, From Psychological to Physiological Health
Many studies have pointed toward sleep being an essential part of mental health. According to Columbia’s Department of Psychiatry, studies have shown that poor sleep increases negative emotional responses and increases risks for mental disorders. Many academic sources show how vital sleep is: as much as eating and drinking water. Many studies also show that sleep helps in brain plasticity (the ability to adapt input, such as processing the emotions of the day), immune function, and metabolic function! The benefits listed are barely the surface of what sleep could positively play a role in within our bodies. Many of us reading these articles could relate to or attest to these findings.
Benefits of Sleeping: Personal Experience
You may be reading this article and thinking, “Yes, I already know that,” or “That's great, but I don't have time….” That is something I would have said in the past. I am well aware of all the things and pressures we face in today's society and the expectations we feel we must meet. Taking AP courses, Staying up late to cram for an exam or finish a project; It is something I am all too familiar with. However, if you are or have been in the “sleep vs. work” trade-off situation, I am here to tell you that sleep is going to win the majority of the time.
For the students and lifetime learners out there, that exam is not worth the all-nighter. I can vouch as a pre-med student who has gone through calculus, physics, and chemistry courses (I keep you in my thoughts if you are taking ochem). Having a better sleep schedule and sleeping enough hours would have made me a much happier and better student. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some results of sleep deprivation include impaired memory, lack of awareness, moodiness, etc. There were some exams that I would look over and see questions I could have answered, if only I had taken care of myself and slept. I don't accredit my successes to sacrificing my sleep, but I did prioritize myself and slept well at times. So, If you are in a similar position, take that pause and go to sleep.
Better Sleep Can Improve Your Life
Besides not feeling the adverse side effects of sleep deprivation, getting the total hours of sleep needed can improve different aspects of life! If you struggle to get good quality sleep, some tips from the following article could help! Sleep Tips
Sleep is something we often trade off or sacrifice for other things. However, this is one aspect we should prioritize; you deserve to rest and unwind your mind. Take that nap, and get into bed a little earlier. Come back refreshed and with a bright, clear perspective.
Reach out to us here at Letters Against Depression if you are in need of someone to support you from afar.