Have trouble falling and staying asleep? Insomnia is often linked to mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). As a college student, it can be hard to maintain a good sleep schedule. Life can get busy with responsibilities like classes, clubs and other social obligations, which can leave sleep as a low priority. While cutting down on sleep can seem like the best option, it’s important to understand the toll this can take on your health. Research shows that sleeping is a vital process for brain restoration and regulation. Insufficient sleep can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. Fortunately, you can manage and prevent these effects by sticking with a good sleep routine.

How a good sleep routine can boost your mental health

Getting enough sleep can be essential to thriving in college. When you have a good sleep schedule, you may notice your mental health improving. Some of the ways sleep can boost your mental well-being include:

• Better moods — Do you ever feel irritable after staying up too late or waking up too early? Sleep deprivation can have a major negative impact on your mood. Fortunately, good sleep can have the opposite effect. When you’re well rested, your brain may be better equipped to regulate your moods. This can make it easier to stay calm and positive throughout the day. Better moods can improve how you deal with stress and unexpected challenges that come your way. By getting better sleep, you can improve your personal and academic life.
• Improved focus — College life is full of tasks and activities competing for your attention. When you’re tired, it can be hard to prioritize and home in on specific tasks. This can cause you to fall behind. When your brain is rested, it processes information more efficiently. You may find it easier to recall relevant information in class discussions or exams. With better sleep comes better mental clarity, which can help you excel in your studies and other aspects of your life.
• Reduced stress — Sleep is essential for maintaining healthy hormone levels. When you don’t get enough sleep, you may experience imbalances in hormones such as cortisol. At typical levels, cortisol helps regulate your body’s stress response. When cortisol levels are elevated due to sleep deprivation, you may experience increased stress and anxiety. Getting enough sleep, however, can actually reduce stress. According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, a good night’s sleep naturally lowers cortisol levels. Along with coping mechanisms and mental health treatments, sleeping well can be key to managing stress.
• Increased creativity — Do you have a hard time feeling creative? The cause could be a lack of sleep. Sleep helps fuel the creative parts of your brain. Whether you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your creative hobby or a class assignment, getting enough sleep can help you think outside the box. Prioritizing sleep can help you unlock your creativity, allowing you to achieve your academic or artistic goals.
• Reduced mental health symptoms — Good sleep can have a positive impact on a range of mental health symptoms. Sleep can address depression symptoms such as low moods, fatigue and lack of motivation. It can also help alleviate stress and other symptoms of anxiety disorders. However, it’s important to understand how your mental health symptoms could impact your sleep as well. Your lack of sleep may be related to a mental health condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To address sleep disruptions caused by a mental health disorder, professional treatment can be essential. With personalized treatment, you can address your symptoms and work toward a more restful sleep pattern.

Lightfully U can help you build habits and skills conducive to better mental health

Is your mental health making it hard to get a good night of sleep? Lightfully U can help. We directly address conditions that can impact your sleep, such as anxiety and depression. Our clinical treatment model, Precision Care Model (PCM), can help you receive treatment tailored specifically to your needs. The framework of everything we do consists of evidence-based, clearly defined and whole-person-centered care. With our virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) for college students, you can get quality treatment from the comfort of your home or dorm room.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the next step toward quality rest and mental wellness, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.