Sleep and Mental Health Issues

“I've always envied people who sleep easily. Their brains must be cleaner, the floorboards of the skull well swept, all the little monsters closed up in a steamer trunk at the foot of the bed,” said renowned writer-producer and maker of Game of Thrones, David Benioff.

One who sleeps like a log throughout the night must be with an uncluttered mind. Sleep plays an integral role in maintaining our sanity as long time sleep deprivation can lead to serious mental disorders. That is why every mental health facility lays great emphasis on sleep for its inmates. Visit any mental health center, be it the mental health facilities in California or any other part of the country, you will see how important it is to have a peaceful sleep while coping with mental health issues.

Studies have shown that long-term sleep problem could lead to mental health issues and at the same time will aggravate any existing condition. Let us see how sleep problems can wreak havoc on one’s mental health:

1. Struggle with daily chores: Poor sleep could lead to lethargy and low energy in a person. With lesser energy, it is difficult to accomplish daily chores and even the basic tasks seem arduous. This could trigger the onset of mental health issues in a person.

1. Gives a feeling of loneliness: Fatigue due to insufficient sleep can make a person refrain from interacting socially and a feeling of loneliness engulfs him or her. Remaining socially secluded and living the life of a recluse for a long time can give rise to mental instability in a person.

1. Develops negative thoughts: Low energy and fatigue can give rise to negative thoughts which can also precipitate mental health issues in a person. It could lead to anxiety, irritability, irrational thoughts, fear and other mentally debilitating conditions.

1. Low mood: With a poor energy level, it is obvious to have a low mood. You feel grumpy and listless most of the time. When this feeling persists for over a long period, mental health issues start showing their tentacles.

1. Episodes of psychotic disorder: In a person with already a mental condition like bipolar, paranoia and any other psychotic disorder, sleep deprivation could seriously impact the existing condition and make it worse.

1. Physical irregularities: A long time sleep disorder could also throw the body out of gear, let alone the mental state of a person. It also affects a person physically who does not have sufficient amount of sleep regularly.

So a sound sleep is indeed a boon to human beings to enjoy a robust physical and mental health. The lack of it could seriously threaten to derail one’s mental health. A visit to any of the mental health facilities in Los Angeles would certainly buttress this fact.