According to Sleep Medicine Clinics, there has been increased attention toward the importance of sleep and its essential role in athletic performance, cognition, health, and mental well-being. Many of us can relate to the phrase "woke up on the wrong side of the bed" and as research shows, there seems to be truth behind this statement.

Sleep Foundation suggests that while research is ongoing to better understand the connections between mental health and sleep, the evidence to date points to a bidirectional relationship. Mental health disorders tend to make it harder to sleep well. At the same time, poor sleep, including insomnia, can be a contributing factor to the initiation and worsening of mental health problems. Research shows that chronic sleep problems affect 50% to 80%  of patients in a typical psychiatric practice, compared to 10% to 18% of adults in the general U.S. population.

While quality sleep is important for our mental health, it can also impact our overall safety in the workplace. It's easy to imagine how a worker's lack of sleep or mental state might affect his or her ability to make good decisions and recognize potential hazards. We can all benefit from improving our sleeping habits, and it may be as simple as incorporating some of the below tips into your daily routine.

Tips to Improve Sleep

  1. Stick to a Schedule: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
  2. Power Down: Turn off TVs, computers, and other blue-light sources one hour before you go to bed.
  3. Create a Restful Environment: Keep your room cool, dark and quiet.
  4. Nix Naps: Limit naps to no more than one hour and avoid napping late in the day.
  5. Eat Right at Night: Don't eat heavy foods and big meals too late. Finish eating at least an hour before bed.
  6. Work Out Wisely: Regular physical activity can promote better sleep. Aim to finish any vigorous exercise 3 to 4 hours before you head to bed.
  7. Manage Worries: Try to resolve your worries or concerns before bed and jot down what's on your mind and set aside for tomorrow.

Regional Mental Health Resources