Do Your Emotions Affect Your Sleep?

woman sleeping with comical sleep mask on

Do Your Emotions Affect Your Sleep?

Getting enough of the right type of sleep is vital to maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. When you sleep, your body works to support your physical health and brain function. When you don’t, you’re bound to feel tired, grumpy, and might have difficulty concentrating or remembering certain things.

Lack of sleep can also impact your physical coordination and impair your judgment. Hence, not sleeping affects how you think, work, feel, learn and interact with other people. Despite all the negative effects of poor sleep, many people still struggle to fall and stay asleep throughout the night.

Luckily for you, sleeping problems are fixable as long as you get to the root of the cause. One of the most common complaints when it comes to poor sleep is anxiety and stress.

Emotions And Sleep

You probably already know that sleep affects your emotions. After a sleepless night, you may be more short-tempered, stressed, vulnerable, and irritable. On the other hand, once you have a good night’s sleep, your emotions return to normal, and you’re happier the following day.

However, the connection between emotions and sleep goes hand in hand. When you’re anxious, you become more agitated and aroused, which makes it harder to fall asleep. Additionally, when you’re stressed, your body stays alert and awake, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. That’s why people who live stressful lives tend to have problems such as insomnia or sleep disorders.

emotions

Understanding How Emotions Affect Your Sleep

Generally, the chemicals in your brain that control your mood and emotions also affect your sleep. Therefore, when you have negative feelings, the chemicals that your body releases to process them also inhibit your sleep. 

Most times, switching off these emotions can be tricky. You might lay down after a long, exhausting day but can’t seem to stop the flow of thoughts running through your mind, and tossing and turning for hours trying to find a comfortable position won’t help.

In this case, it’s wise to break the cycle of negative emotions and low mood by addressing the issues head-on and seeking help. You can talk to your partner, family, or doctor about your emotions or consult with a specialist.

Looking After Your Mental Health

If you struggle with stress, anxiety, depression, or mood disorders, you need to find ways to improve your mood and sleep hygiene. While it’s not a walk in the park, with the right guidance and strategies, you can look after your mental health and sleep better.

For instance, a professional can help you improve your energy levels during the day and manage your emotions for a good night’s sleep. A specialist can also analyze your sleep patterns to determine if you have any underlying sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, and they can recommend the best treatment.

Contact us today for quality sleep solutions or visit www.tmjandsleepsolutions.com for more.