When a client tells me they are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and depression, one of the first questions I always ask is how they are sleeping. Sleep. Is. Vital. Sleep deprivation affects mental health. Ask yourself a few questions—how tired are you on most days? Do you find that you need more caffeine to get through your day? Are you having some memory issues? Do you wake up not feeling refreshed? If you answered yes to these, take a look at your sleep regime.
Many people, including teenagers, are suffering from sleep deprivation due to their devices. Move and charge your devices in another room. If you absolutely need to have your phone near you, turn all the excessive alerts off so you are not being interrupted by them while you rest. If you stay up too late because you are on your device, consider cutting yourself off 30-45 minutes before you go to bed. If you need some noise or light in your room to sleep, turn of the TV and instead try a white noise machine and a night light.
Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Our bodies function the best when on some sort of schedule. Once you establish a regular sleep schedule, your mind and body will begin to slow down and become tired at the same time each night. Try to avoid eating and drinking so close to bedtime.
Try searching “mindful meditation bedtime” on YouTube and listen to a 10-minute video that helps you to disengage and prepare your mind and body for rest. The same holds true for when you wake up—YouTube has some great day preparation mindfulness meditations.
If you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression, contact Mending Hearts Counseling for counseling services. Mending Hearts Counseling serves the greater northern Colorado area (Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, Johnstown, or Severance). Call us today at 970-545-1111 today for information.