The Importance of Sleeping Well

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental health and overall wellbeing.

The impact of poor sleep:

• Direct negative impact on mental health and long-term inadequate sleep increases the risk of developing depression, anxiety, and burnout

• Poor concentration

• Negative impact on emotional and social processing abilities

The benefits of sleep:

• Memories are consolidated, and neural connections are strengthened

• Improved mental health and general wellbeing

• Improved attention and concentration

• Increased energy levels

• Improved physical health and immune system

• Improved brain functioning including clearer thinking, improved decision-making capacity, increased productivity, and performance

Tips to help you sleep better:

• Exercise throughout the day

• Avoid daytime naps

• Reduce screen time in the evening and no screen time 30 minutes before bed

• Have a consistent sleep schedule, include bed and wake time

• Avoid wakeful-inducing foods before bed including caffeinated foods and drinks, alcohol, fast food and processed foods

• Develop and stick to a relaxing bedtime routine

Written by Emma Trott (Registered Psychologist)