Mental health problems are not just limited to mental health, but also impact physical health as well.
Issues like stress cause changes to hormones in the body, which also causes sleep problems. Similarly, it also leads to changes in the appetite as well.
Moreover, mental health problems also may be the reason why you keep up at night. The changes in sleep then cause even more issues with physical health.
Lack of adequate sleep leads to an increased risk of chronic ailments like heart disease, diabetes, etc. that then require intervention from your doctor at the Fauji Foundation Hospital.
Different sleep disorders that affect sleep
The relationship between sleep and mental health problems is a complex and co-dependent one. Some sleep problems may lead to issues with mental health, whereas vice versa is true as well.
Some mental health problems that may cause problems with sleep:
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is another one of the conditions that leads to problems with sleep. Patients with this condition have issues with falling asleep that then causes excessive daytime sleepiness and naturally people also have trouble waking up as well.
On the other hand, lack of sleep may also then lead to or aggravate a case of ADHD.
Anxiety
There are different types of anxiety disorders, including general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, etc. Your sleep may very well then be affected by the anxiety that you are feeling.
Autism
Enjoying a codependent relationship, autism and sleep influence each other. Some people suffering from autism have issues with sleep. Similarly, at times, the sleep issues may then cause an increase in the risk of autism as well.
Depression
Depression also has been heralded as a mental health disorder that leads to issues with sleep. People who are depressed not only have to face a lack of sleep, but their sleep routine might also not be a healthy one; some stay up till night and sleep through the day then.
Similarly, people who have depression are also more likely to get depressed.
Schizophrenia
Lack of quality sleep is also related to schizophrenia. The issue with sleep sets in at the start of the disease and continues into the disease as well. A significant amount of schizophrenic population then suffers from insomnia.
Improving the problem
Resolving problems associated with sleep is important not only to address the risk of mental health disorders but also to manage the mental health disorders as well.
Here are some things you can do to improve your sleep:
Exercise
You can also include regular physical activity for to sleep better. Exercise helps in moderating the stress levels in the body. However, do not exercise before going to bed; that’s counterintuitive and will cause problems with slumber.
Relax
Stress and anxiety can kill your sleep. Moreover, being tensed is not conducive to sleep. You can then try relaxation techniques to moderate stress levels in your body. Also, relaxation techniques like progressive relaxation are also helpful for addressing insomnia as well.
Therapy
CBT is a type of therapy that is aimed at changing how we think and behave about something. It can also be effective for treating sleep disorders like insomnia. CBT may also be used to manage and treat the underlying mental health problem.
Sleep hygiene
Have a proper sleep routine, so your body forms a habit of it. Likewise, do not nap later in the day. Try not to use screens just before bedtime or when in bed. Do not also eat in bed. Try to use thick blinds so it remains darker.
Medication
For people with insomnia or other sleep disorders, medication might then be needed for assistance. You should then contact your General Physician in Karachi for prescription medication. Finding the right fit is key, for which you should have a detailed conversation with your doctor.
