5 Ways Getting Good Sleep Will Impact Your Mental Health

Sleep is undeniably one of the most important things we can do for our well-being. It’s not a surprise that when we’re sleep deprived, we’re just not operating at our best.

Sleep is so important for our mental ,physical, emotional, and social well-being. When we’re sleeping, our brain is restoring it’s most important and most used functions. Sleep is like recharging your cell phone battery at night. If the charger is malfunctioning and it doesn’t charge the whole way or it starts and stops charging continuously all night, then you phone is on low battery all day and you can’t do what you need with it.

That’s what happens when our sleep is broken up and we’re not getting enough of it. You may get enough sleep to get you to your minimum functioning, but sleep impacts where you baseline of well-being rests. The more well rested you are, the higher our baseline is.

Sleep is just as important as eating well and exercising. Think about how your body would feel if you only ate Jack in the Box or Wendy’s all day every day. That’s kind of what our mind does when we get junk sleep all the time. 

Inadequate sleep takes a toll on your body and your mental well-being. Studies show that 80% of people with a mental health diagnosis have underlying sleep issues. 80%!! 

Looking at that figure, it’s not surprising that sleep affects us in this way, but it’s shocking at the same time to think how connected sleep is to our mental health.

5 ways getting good sleep will impact your mental health:

1. Being the Best Mom You Can Be

You know what takes a lot of mental and physical energy? Being a mom! 

When you’re a mom you are the center of the universe for your kids, and that takes a toll on your mental and physical energy. When we are well rested, we have the energy to go out into the fresh air and tackle adventures with your kids and just be more present in their lives.

When we haven’t slept well we are grumpier, we have less energy, and we get more frustrated and overwhelmed with the stuff that comes with just being a mom (our kids not listening, throwing food on the floor, making messes, etc.) and that heavy mom-guilt sets in.

2. Fitness and Well-being

Studies are clear that when we don’t sleep well, our bodies hold onto fat differently and we consume more calories. As much as we want to move away from our body-fixated society, most moms want to “get their body back” and that’s going to be a lot harder to do if you’re tired and getting to the gym is going to be a lot harder if you’re tired.

Exercise is also important for our mental and physical well-being, not just for our waistline. So having the energy to go and exercise all starts with getting enough sleep at night. 

3. Energy and Productivity

Getting good sleep can improve our overall energy and productivity. If you are more rested, you’re more likely to have the energy to pick up all the small messes that are happening all day as they come and help stay on top of your game. All of this helps you feel more confident and powerful as a mom instead of bogged down and overwhelmed.

4. Improving Marital Relationship

You’re not just snappier with your kids if you don’t get enough sleep, you’re probably snappier and grumpier towards your partner.

Not getting enough sleep is a domino effect: if you’re feeling more tired and overwhelmed from a lack of sleep, you’re also more likely to feel unappreciated. This can make you under appreciate your spouse for what they’re doing and feel like you need them to pick up the slack more. Which may be fair, but may also leave your spouse feeling unappreciated as well. When both partners feel unappreciated, they both hold onto resentments causing marital strain and frustration, which is going to impact your happiness and mental well-being too.

5. Getting Out of Your Mom Bubble

If you’re not sleeping and you’re not your bubbly self, you’re less likely to reach out to friends or foster those engagements that are going to make you feel more connected to people and get out of your mom bubble. Bad sleep is linked to depression, and sometimes being a mom can be very isolating, making your depression even worse. Even though it’s easy to pick up the phone and text a friend to meet you guys at the park, sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s worth the energy. But, if you’ve had good sleep, then things that you know are good for you are easier to do.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, I’m here to help! Getting great sleep usually starts with your children getting great sleep and on a good schedule. If you’re having trouble with your little one’s sleeping and your sleep deprived because of it, I have a great Newborn Sleep Course that can help as well as tons of guides for any sleep troubles. If you suspect insomnia as your sleep issue, I also have a great Adult Insomnia Sleep Course!