Health

Mental Health Versus Sleep; The Benefits Of Sleep On Your Mental Health.

Published

11 months ago

9 August 2024

Mental Health Versus Sleep; The Benefits Of Sleep On Your Mental Health

Mental health and sleep are connected in a way that both affects each other. When you get good sleep, you are able to function well, emotionally, socially, and even psychologically, being able to carry out various activities for the day. When you don’t get good and quality sleep, you will find it hard to focus on activities making you feel frustrated, stressed, and burnt out.

A woman with mental health issues sitted on a couch with one hand on her chin

People are increasingly getting aware of mental health and the impacts it has on everyday living. Sleep amongst other factors can help you improve your mental health by allowing for adequate blood circulation.

What Is The Connection Between Sleep And Mental Health?

When you have a mental health issue, you will find it difficult to sleep and rest your mind and body. This state of being restless and not getting enough sleep then worsen the mental health issue you are facing.

For instance, you have to pay your rent in two months but you don’t have the money for it. This keeps you worried and anxious (mental health issue). Since you are in this state, it becomes difficult for you to sleep and rest your mind. Not getting adequate sleep can deprive your brain of the right amount of blood circulation it needs to get nourished and function properly.

Do you also know that how you act, think and behave also affects your physical well being? Let’s take depression for example. A depressed person is always sad and has lost interest in most things about life including their health. This can lead to serious health issues like diabetes, stroke, etc. The presence of these health issue then increases the depression issue making them feel more sad and uninterested about life.

The Science Of Sleep: It’s Impact On Brain Function And Emotions.

It was believed before that your brain is dormant when you sleep but researches made has proven that human brain is active during sleep. This is because it recieves much blood flow during this period.

As you sleep, your brain goes through different cycles. In the first part of the cycle called Non REM sleep, made of four stages, your brain’s learning and memory ability is improved upon.

The four stages in the cycle includes;

Being awake and slowly falling asleep.
Light sleeping where your heart rate and breathing is regulated and body temperature reduces.
Deep sleep is encountered in the last two stages. In this stages, you know nothing of what is happening in your external environment.

In the second part of the cycle called REM, your eye movement and brain waves are similar to that of being awake. Your breathing is increased.

Normally, the cycle will repeat for four to five times before you are fully awake. But with each cycle, the deep sleep you experience in stage three and four in the first cycle part reduces.

Being sleep deprieved affects your brain’s function and negatively impacts your emotions. When you get healthy amount of sleep, it improves your brain’s ability to acquire and retain informations. Research has also shown that waste products from the brain cells are removed effectively. Something that isn’t very possible when you are awake.

Your brain being able to receive adequate rest and enough detoxification enhances how you think, act, and behave. Thereby, reducing mental health issues.

Here are some mental health issues that can affect your mood, behavior and thinking.

Depression.
Anxiety disorders.
Eating disorders.
Addictive behaviors.

Benefits Of Quality Sleep.

Some common things you stand to benefit from getting quality sleep are listed below.

Improved Weight: Getting enough sleep helps the brain function properly and thus helps you control how you eat. Excessive eating can also be a cause of irrational weight gain but eating in the right quantity can help with improved and controlled weight gain.
Improved Productivity: Adequate sleep helps you think clearly, make better decisions, and increases your focus level leading to better performances at work and in life.
Enhanced Mood: Have you noticed how happy you are each morning after getting adequate rest at night? That’s it. Getting enough sleep helps your body relax from the day’s stress.
Improved Learning and Memory: sleep helps to increase blood flow to the brain thereby giving it essential nutrients from the blood and detoxifying the brain of worn out cells.

Practical Tips For Improved Quality Of Sleep.

Experiencing a better state of mental health, you will need to improve the quality of your sleep. Here are easy to understand prayical tips for improving your sleep quality.

Turn off your room light an hour before bed time.
Dim the light from your gadget as those lights make it harder to fall asleep.
Eat your dinner early, at least 2 hrs before bedtime.
Avoid taking caffeine or drinks containing caffeine as it was produced in such a way to deprive you of sleep.
Limit daytime naps by taking at most an hour of sleep during the day if you must.
Learn to manage your worries by jotting down troubling thoughts before bedtime. Learning more on stress management can help you.

Conclusion.

Your mental health affects not just your sleep but every area of your life. You are encouraged to prioritize matters of mental health and see a medical practioner if you can’t manage mental health issues on your own.

Health

Detoxing With Local Ingredients–What Works?

Published

1 week ago

16 June 2025

Pelumi Adelabu

Before the advent of chemicals and advancement in technology, a lot of value was placed on natural ingredients like vegetables, herbs, and spices.

From the quantities used in soups to their roles in preventing common body discomforts. Natural ingredients promote sustainability of our body systems.

Just like in the past, detoxing with local ingredients still works today. You could incorporate them into waters or meals and even apply some to your skin to treat infections.

Incorporating some ingredients in the right proportion to our meals can avoid spending a fortune on illnesses later.

Embedded in nature is its therapeutic ability, providing natural remedies for situations that are within care.

Here are some local ingredients for detoxing and how to incorporate them into your meals

Lemons

Lemons are rich in Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system and may help fight colds and other illnesses. Adding a small amount of lemon to a cup of warm water can improve digestion and aid bowel movement, thereby preventing bloating. Lemon is also an effective local ingredient for weight management.

Ginger

Ginger is often included in detox plans to help reduce inflammation and purify the body. It also supports the optimal function of the liver to support the body’s natural detox process. Boiling ginger in water for 7-10 minutes produces a simple detox ginger tea to which you can add honey or lemon for flavor. It can also be added to meals for added detoxification benefits.

Cucumber

Cucumber is rich in water, making it useful for hydration. It supports detoxification by flushing out toxins through its natural diuretic effect. It also promotes easy bowel movement helping to prevent constipation. It can help flush out excess sodium and toxins from salty foods and alcohol. Cucumber can be blended with fruits to make detox juice. It can also be added to smoothies with other vegetables for variety.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are packed with vitamins, chlorophyll, minerals and fiber. These nutrients are beneficial for detoxification processes. The chlorophyll pigment helps neutralize the toxins in the body and eliminate them through the liver. The fiber content aids easy digestion of food which allows the easy movement of bowels and prevents bloating. The vitamins also support the body’s detox process. Leafy greens can be incorporated into foods in different ways. It could be added to soups to enrich the meal. Leafy greens can also be blended with fruits to make smoothies. You can also enjoy leafy green in salads, served with other vegetables.

Local ingredients can be game-changers when used appropriately. However, they should not replace professional medical advice if you have underlying medical conditions.

Health

Morning Workouts vs Evening Workouts — Which is Better For Your Health?

Published

2 weeks ago

14 June 2025

Nimi Jack

We all want to stay fit and healthy. But one common question that often comes to mind is: Should I work out in the morning or in the evening? Some people enjoy waking up early and starting their day with a workout. Others feel stronger and more energized in the evening. So, which option is healthier? Let’s find out.

The Benefits of Morning Workouts

Some people prefer exercising in the morning. Morning workouts help wake you up and energize you for the day. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins—feel-good chemicals that relax you and reduce stress. These help keep you calm and focused throughout the day.

Exercising in the morning also helps you stay consistent. It allows you to complete your workout before daily responsibilities, like work or errands, get in the way. Some studies even suggest that morning workouts help regulate appetite and improve sleep at night.

For those trying to lose weight, exercising in the morning before eating may help the body burn fat more efficiently. However, this benefit can vary depending on your body type and specific fitness goals.

The Benefits of Evening Workouts

Not everyone likes to exercise early in the morning. Many prefer evening workouts due to their work or school schedules. After a busy day, exercising can help reduce stress and tension, making it a great way to unwind before bed.

Your body temperature is also higher in the evening, which makes your muscles more flexible and reduces the risk of injury. This means you may perform better—lifting heavier weights or running faster—than you would in the morning. Having eaten throughout the day also gives your body more fuel for a stronger workout.

Evening workouts can also be social. Whether it’s a group class, gym session with friends, or a post-dinner walk with family, evening exercise can be fun and motivating.

Which is Better?

The truth is, both morning and evening workouts offer great benefits. What matters most is choosing a time that fits your lifestyle. If you enjoy working out in the morning and it fits your schedule, then stick with that. But if you feel more energized and relaxed in the evening, that’s perfectly fine too.

The key is consistency. Regular exercise—whether in the early hours or later at night—is what keeps you healthy and fit. Whether you’re running at dawn or hitting the gym after dark, both can help you reach your fitness goals.

There’s no universally right or wrong time to exercise. Both morning and evening workouts can boost your health and happiness. The best workout is the one you enjoy and can stick with. Listen to your body, choose a time that works for you, and take full advantage of all the benefits that exercise offers.

Health

Self-Care Friday: Rituals to Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body

Published

3 weeks ago

6 June 2025

Pelumi Adelabu

Life can get overwhelming at times, but taking care of yourself can be a game-changer.

Your mind and your body are your greatest assets and they deserve to be treated with utmost respect. Give your mind the nourishment it deserves and your body the care it craves. Why? They are the real stars of your life.

When the body is sick and the mind is troubled, life can feel overwhelming and hinder your ability to function at your best.

Treat your body with grace and elegance and adorn your mind with the right information or content. Build a care system around these two important themes — body and mind.

Here are effective rituals you can start practicing to improve your self-care.

BODY CARE

Say No to Body Shaming

If you don’t accept your body nobody else will. It all starts with you. Love yourself and accept your body the way you are. Instead of hating your body, find a solution. E.g Hitting the gym, starting a skincare routine and more.

Know Your Body Type

Knowing your body type and wearing clothes that highlight your elegance and poise is a confidence-boosting practice. For example a slim person should go for dresses that add volume, rather than those that overly emphasize thinness.

Don’t Use Harsh Cream on Your Body

Tone and use the right skincare products that enhance your natural beauty. Avoid bleaching at all cost, it is not stylish.

MIND CARE

Practice Gratitude

You see, there is always something to be grateful for no matter what you’ve been through. Look at life through positive lens and be thankful. Gratitude is therapeutic. It makes you see reasons to live again.

Be in Charge of Your Thoughts

Be mindful of the information you allow into your mind. Be selective about the news and content you consume to avoid mental overload or negativity.

Heal from Past Trauma

One of the best ways to heal is to forgive. If there’s someone you are hold resentment towards, try to let it go. I know this might not be easy, but it will free you from bitterness and anger. It will help you to release toxic feelings and give room for peace. Most importantly, forgive yourself. We are humans, we’ve made mistakes, but we don’t have to be defined by them.

Be Positive

Don’t allow your mind to be overwhelmed with negativity. Train yourself to think positively. Celebrate the success of others genuinely. And avoid harboring jealousy towards friends who are making progress — your time will come too.

Practice Journaling

Journaling is a powerful way to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Take time alone with yourself and unwind. Write down what you are grateful for, what you fear, and what you’d like to explore in the future. Writing down your thoughts helps you to organize your thoughts and that way, you will be more committed to them than when you leave it in your head.

BOTTOM LINE

Self-care doesn’t have to be a luxury — it’s in little things that cost very little but means a lot. Prioritize your mind and body, and you will elevate your game all-round. After all, without a healthy body and a sound mind, you won’t function at your best.

I hope you will try these listed rituals intentionally and enjoy a better life.