Mental Health and the Complex Connection with Sleep:

Having trouble sleeping? According to some estimates, you and approximately 33% of the world’s population suffer from some form of insomnia!

Did You Know that lack of sleep quantity and quality is linked to several mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit disorder? And Did You Know that, though the relationship between mental health and sleep is not clearly understood, proper sleep supports emotional and mental health resilience.

Let’s look at some tips to help you achieve a better’s night sleep and to start the day with a smile (ok, and a little coffee!): 

-Sleep hygiene: Take the television and tablets OUT of the bedroom. Go to bed and get up at a set time. If sleep isn’t happening, write down worries or get up and do a small project for a little while. Then try again.

-EXERCISE (GO Team VIVO!): Regularly engaging in aerobic activity may help you fall asleep faster, have deeper sleep, and wake up less often during the night compared to a person who does not exercise regularly.

-Beverages for Bedtime: Reduce or avoid alcohol, avoid caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants, but especially several hours before bedtime. Instead, create a night ritual around a hot cup of herbal tea or “drink” in your breath for 5 minutes of meditation.

-Learn and utilize relaxation techniques (look for more information in our new Vivo Mindfulness for Better Sleep and Relaxation Class led by Vivo Trainer, Kelly Spitzer – SAVE THE DATE, September 9th at 3pm!).

-Written by Kristin Dean, Vivo Care Team