Sleep and Your Mental Health

The amount and quality of sleep we get can have an impact on our health. For example, a lack of sleep can lead to low energy levels throughout the day or difficulty concentrating. The physical effects of sleep loss are often readily understood, while the mental effects are less known. If a lack of sleep is affecting your mental health, the experienced providers at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester VA can help.

Sleep Disorders

An occasional poor night’s sleep can leave you feeling less than your best the next day but is usually nothing to worry about. However, chronic sleep problems can harm your overall mental health. If you regularly experience difficulty sleeping or often feel unrested in the morning, you might have a sleep disorder. Some different types of sleep disorders include:

  • Insomnia
  • Sleepwalking
  • Sleep Apnea
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Periodic limb movement

The skilled providers at our clinic in Winchester VA can perform diagnostic screening tests to determine if you have a sleep disorder. Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be developed to help you achieve more restful sleep. For example, individuals diagnosed with sleep apnea experience interrupted sleep due to brief pauses in breathing during the night, often due to the tongue blocking the airway. An oral appliance or a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can keep the airway open so you can sleep more soundly.

How Sleep Affects Mental Health

Sleep can affect your mental health in a few different ways. Prolonged sleep issues, such as those due to a sleep disorder, could potentially contribute to certain mental health issues. For instance, some research studies have shown that people who struggle with insomnia have a higher risk of developing depression than individuals who do not have a sleep disorder. Additionally, a lack of restful sleep could also lead to increased irritability and difficulty dealing with stress.

A lack of quality sleep can also aggravate existing mental health conditions. For example, individuals who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues might experience a worsening of symptoms when they are not getting enough quality sleep.

In contrast, achieving restful sleep regularly can potentially lead to better mental health. When you are well-rested you are likely to think clearly, concentrate better, have better recall, and enjoy a more positive mood. The knowledgeable providers at Winchester Neurological Consultants can help prevent sleep issues from adversely affecting your mental health by developing a plan to help you achieve better sleep.

Our helpful providers can help you enjoy better physical and mental health by addressing your sleep issues. To schedule an appointment or a virtual Telehealth visit, call Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester VA at (540) 667-1828.

Winchester Neurological Consultants

Office Hours

DOORS OPEN AT 8:15AM

Monday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed