It’s no surprise that sleep and mental health are interconnected, and those who suffer from mental health struggles are more likely to experience insomnia or other sleep issues. In fact, 50-80 percent of patients in a typical psychiatric practice suffer from chronic sleep problems while only 10-18 percent of adults in the general population suffer from chronic sleep problems. Part of our mental health treatment in Minneapolis is ensuring our patients have the tools to get the rest that they need to take on their day. Here are some of our top tips.
Cut the Caffeine
We know how hard it can be to refuse a warm cup of coffee in the morning but consider opting for decaf instead. Caffeine is found in a wide variety of food and drinks such as soda, tea, chocolate, and even some pain relievers. Keeping your coffee intake to a minimum can not only reduce your anxiety throughout the day, but also make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.
Create a Quiet, Dark & Cool Room Environment
Your body will appreciate a quiet, dark and cool sleeping environment. We recommend downloading a white noise app or getting a noise machine to help block out other outside noise. Also, opt for blackout curtains if you can!
Pre-Sleep Routine
Establishing a pre-sleep routine is an important part of your night. To help ease the transition between your day and your night, get in the habit of unwinding; read a book, watch an episode of your favorite show or get involved in a relaxing hobby like knitting. Keep stress levels to a minimum so your body doesn’t produce cortisone, its natural reaction to stress that can keep you up even longer.
With time, practice and patience, you can improve the quality and length of your sleep, ultimately giving you the energy to take on the next day ahead. Contact our team with any further questions that you have!
