AMR Therapy | Online Video Therapy

Routines, Sleep and Mental Health

While insomnia or sleep challenges have been part of our lives, the stress of the pandemic has increased these issues tremendously.  Isolation and the multiple lockdowns have upset most of our daily routines from morning showers to the times we eat in our day, and our sleep cycles.  Now, we roll out of bed, maybe shower each day, and don’t head outside to be in the sunlight but only bask in the glow of our computer screen.  This lack of sun and routine can impact our circadian rhythms and the quality of sleep we get each night.<br><br>

With poor sleep and lack of routine, you may have notices that your positive mental health has decreased.  This is because there is a relationship between sleep and mental health.  For instance, if you sleep poorly, you may wake up tired and have trouble coping with issues that may pop up during the day.  In turn, this inability to cope may lead to lower self-esteem which can fuel anxiety and stress and cause you to continue the poor sleep cycle.  During these times of covid it is more important than ever to try and get good sleep and have a routine.<br><br>

How can you improve sleep and mood?<br><br>

·       Try to get a full night’s sleep. Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.<br><br>

·       Align yourself with your circadian rhythms by waking up and going to bed at the same time each day of the week. Get at least 15 to 60 minutes of sunlight per day. Don’t drink or eat 1-2 hours before bedtime to help your organs slow down and rest. Our brain needs to sleep and rejuvenate each night in order to function properly so the more in tune we are in our natural sleep cycle, the better.<br><br>

·       Avoid screen time at least 1 to 2 hours before your bedtime. Consider instead a routine of getting ready to sleep, by showering with a nice lavender scented wash, drink Chamomile tea, listen to a sleep podcast, meditation or mindfulness app or an audiobook. <br><br>

·       Check with a doctor for an overall health checkup to rule out any physical problems such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.<br><br>

You can also work with a therapist on a sleep hygiene plan or what may be causing your anxiety and stress. Sometimes we just need to talk with another person in order to work out our true feelings or to figure out how deal with the things that may be keeping us up at night.

Related Posts

Navigating Parenting in Today’s Fast-Paced World

In our modern, high-demand society, parent(s) find themselves juggling full-time careers, managing family responsibilities, and attending to their own mental and emotional well-being. This complex balancing act can be stressful, yet with the right approach, it’s also manageable and deeply rewarding. Here’s a deeper look

Read More

Narcissism in the Family

Dealing with a narcissistic family member can be emotionally taxing and complex, often requiring patience, resilience, and strategic boundaries. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of

Read More

Redefining Sexual Liberation: Embracing Authenticity over Activity

In recent years, the volume of conversations has been growing around sexual liberation, challenging traditional norms and encouraging a more open dialogue about sexuality. However, the concept of sexual liberation is often misconstrued as synonymous with being overly sexually active. It’s essential to broaden this

Read More

The High Stakes of Gambling Addiction

Gambling, with its allure of instant wealth and excitement, can quickly turn into a perilous obsession for some. While a casual bet or two may seem harmless, for those with a predisposition to addiction, it can spiral into a consuming and destructive habit. At the

Read More

Navigating the Workplace: Coping with a Toxic Boss

In today’s fast-paced work environment, having a supportive and understanding leadership team is crucial for our mental and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have such an environment. A toxic boss can significantly impact your mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and

Read More