Getting a good night’s sleep

Mental health problems can affect our sleep. And poor sleep can have a negative impact on our mental health.

Mind has pulled together some handy tips to help with improving your sleep. It’s important to remember that not all of these will work for everyone – we’re all different. Only try what you feel comfortable with, and don’t put pressure on yourself. Sometimes it takes time for sleep patterns to change. 

7 ways to help you get a better night’s sleep and improve your mental health:

Establish a routine

Finding regular sleep habits that work for you might help. Try going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. Or only going to bed when you’re tired. But still get up around the same time.

Get comfy

Try and make where you sleep as comfortable as possible. It might be helpful to adjust the temperature or lighting. If you find silence difficult, you could try listening to music, nature sounds or an audiobook.

Keep a sleep diary

Keep notes about your sleep patterns or anything affecting your sleep. Include how often you wake up or the number of hours of sleep you have. You could share this with your doctor.

Take time to relax

Try out different ways to relax before you go to sleep. You could listen to music, have a bath, do some meditation or have a go at breathing exercises.

Think about your screen time

Using screens in the evening can make it harder to sleep. Try not to use phones or tablets a couple of hours before bed. Or use a blue light filter, night mode or dark mode.

Look after yourself

Your physical health can also affect your sleep. Try to avoid caffeine, sugar and large meals before bed. Make time to go outside and do something active, if you can, like going for a walk.

Find support

If there’s anything that’s connected to your sleep problems, like money worries, it could be useful to get support. Research what local support is available to you.

For more advice and information, see Mind’s tips to improve your sleep

(Source: Mind)

Author: Stewart Gillespie
Posted on: 13th April 2023