According to an Asian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences report, nine out of ten Malaysians suffer from insomnia and have at least one sleep disorder. Sleep is essential to both physical and mental well-being. Therefore, it's vital that we maintain healthy sleeping habits.
Studies have linked lack of sleep with increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, heart attack and stroke. Anxiety or depression are also possible causes of sleep disturbances. Symptoms could include irritability, mood swings or difficulty focusing. If mental health disorders are making sleeping difficult for you, then an integrative approach to treating both can be the way forward.
Sleep hygiene improvements have numerous positive consequences and can have a dramatic impact on mental well-being. A better quality of sleep may lower your risk for certain health conditions while increasing productivity at work or school. Furthermore, improved sleeping patterns may help combat stress-induced depression, thus serving as a fundamental element of overall mental well-being care.
One reason people struggle to get enough sleep can be linked to lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol or caffeine before bed, napping during the day, eating too much sugar and not exercising regularly can also have negative impacts on one's ability to rest well at night. It is possible to get a better night's sleep by making small changes to your lifestyle habits.
Associating good sleep habits, such as setting a regular bedtime and following a consistent routine for faster and deeper sleep. Doing this may make waking up easier in the morning as well as helping lessen day-to-day stress levels. Furthermore, practicing relaxation techniques before bed may aid relaxation and help falling asleep more easily. Read here for more tips
If the mental health condition is interfering with your ability to sleep, speak with a doctor or mental health professional regarding how best to address the problem. Consulting with a sleep specialist may be beneficial in diagnosing what may be causing sleep disruptions and creating a personalized plan to address them. You can reach out to The Air Station to arrange a sleep study and sleep apnea treatment based on your medical conditions.
References:
https://www.nst.com.my/lifestyle/heal/2023/03/890304/health-malaysians-are-seriously-sleep-deprived
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/