Sleep and Mental Health: How Anxiety and Depression Affect Your Rest

Ever felt like your mind just can't shut off at night? You're not alone. Anxiety and depression can make getting a good night's sleep a real challenge. But why is that? Let's dive in. Anxiety can make your heart race and your mind spin with worries. This makes it tough to fall asleep. Dr. Lindsay Browning, a sleep expert, explains that anxious people often have racing thoughts and hormone changes that keep them awake. It's like your body is on high alert all the time. Depression, on the other hand, can make you sleep too much or struggle to wake up. It can also mess with your energy levels during the day. Dr. Browning says depression can cause both insomnia and hypersomnia, which is sleeping too much.Both conditions can mess with sleep in different ways, but they often show up together. When that happens, it can be a real nightmare. You might have trouble falling asleep and then wake up too early, leaving you tired during the day. So, what can you do to sleep better? Dr. Browning has some tips. For anxiety, try setting up a bedtime routine that helps you unwind. This could be listening to calming music or reading a book. Also, avoid caffeine late in the day, and practice deep breathing exercises to help your body relax. If depression is the problem, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This helps your body get into a regular sleep rhythm. Also, get some sunlight each day, as it can boost your mood and improve sleep. And remember, if you can't sleep, don't just lie there. Get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy again.