Health

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

Published

10 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

The Easiest Ways to Stay Happy

Published

2 days ago

2 June 2025

Fadire Olusola

Have you ever asked people what makes them happy? You will certainly get diverse answers. Some will choose money, others will choose close friends, and some will pick comfort. However, happiness runs deeper than this. That’s because what makes you happy today may not bring the same joy tomorrow.

Regardless of what happiness means to you, staying happy can help you mentally and emotionally. Here are some easy ways to stay happy.

Exercise

Aside from having physical benefits, exercises help fight stress, depression, and anxiety. Daily workouts are ideal for boosting your happiness and making you more satisfied. However, you need to avoid over-exercising, as this could make you more frustrated. Aim for 15 to 20 minutes of daily exercise.

Enough Sleep

Not having enough sleep can also make you less happy. Sleep disorders have been known to cause depression and stress-related issues. When you find yourself experiencing mood swings and sadness, your body might be signalling it needs more rest. No matter how busy you are or how much you’re pursuing success, try to sleep for at least 6 hours daily.

Be Grateful

Never underestimate the positive effects of gratitude on your mental health. Just saying “thank you” can help lift your mood. You don’t have to wait for big things to show appreciation; being appreciative of small favours could lift up your spirits.

Learn To Forgive.

Holding grudges is common among most people, as we offend one another daily. This is because personalities and how we view situations differ. Learn to always forgive those who hurt you and your loved ones. Keeping grudges leads to resentment, which can hinder happiness in most people.

Socialise More

Humans are social beings, and being around those you love can lift your mood. Although work can be time consuming, always find time for those in your life.Try attending social outings, reunions, or planning a getaway. If you don’t have friends or family nearby, consider joining a local volunteer group or community club.

Take Your Health Seriously

It’s difficult to feel truly happy when you’re dealing with health issues. That is why you need to take proper care of your body. Always check your blood sugar level and blood pressure. Try to visit your doctor regularly and never miss an appointment. A healthy body supports a happy life.

Bottom Line

Whatever situation you find yourself in,your happiness is important. Life can be challenging, but don’t let difficulties steal your joy. Always stay positive regardless of the obstacles you face; with patience and hard work, everything will be fine.

Health

Tips for Smelling Good Without Perfume

Published

5 days ago

30 May 2025

Fadire Olusola

Perfumes are among the most popular beauty products used to enhance personal appeal. However, some people are sensitive to colognes, which has made them seek alternatives. You don’t need to rely on perfume alone to smell good, as simple lifestyle habits can naturally help you stay fresh and pleasant-smelling throughout the day. Your diet and daily habits can influence your natural scent—no perfume needed. Discover simple ways to smell amazing—without a drop of perfume. fragrances.

Use Essential Oil

One way to smell great and leave a lasting impression is by using essential oils. They offer therapeutic benefits and can enhance your natural scent. You can easily find the best essential skin-friendly oils at your local supermarkets. For best results, dilute essential oils with carrier oils like almond or sesame oil before applying to the skin.

Take Your Bath Daily

Daily bathing is one of the simplest ways to stay fresh and clean. Even without perfume, bathing once or twice a day helps prevent body odor and keeps you smelling fresh. Use scented or antibacterial soaps to cleanse your skin and leave a pleasant fragrance behind.

Check your diet.

The food you eat plays a vital role in how you smell. The more balanced and nutritious your meals are, the fresher your body will smell. Limit foods like red meat and dairy, as they can contribute to body odour. To support a naturally pleasant scent eat more vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats to make your scent better.

Take Exercises Seriously

Although sweating is often associated with foul smell, it’s actually one of the most effective ways to reduce unpleasant body odour. The more you sweat, the more your body flushes out toxins through the skin. Sweating helps your body detox naturally and stay healthy overall.

Change Your Wardrobe

Have you ever noticed that some clothes seem to make you smell worse when you wear them? This isn’t due to poor hygiene—it’s often caused by the fabric. Clothes made from nylon and polyester trap moisture and don’t allow your skin to breathe, which can increase sweat and odor. Opt for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk when going out—they’re breathable and help keep you fresh.

Final Thoughts

While perfumes are ideal, there are natural ways to improve your scent. By eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and bathing daily, your natural scent will become fresher and more pleasant.

Health

Simple Yet Powerful Actions to Reduce Anxiety

Published

7 days ago

28 May 2025

Fadire Olusola

Today’s fast-paced lifestyle has increased the possibility of many people having stress-related problems like anxiety. Whether it’s from work or other personal obligations, people often find themselves grappling with managing anxiety.

Thankfully, there are solutions that can help reduce anxiety and promote healthy living for everyone. Some simple but powerful strategies that can help you manage stress and anxiety will be discussed below.

Engage in More Physical Activity

An idle body is susceptible to stress-related issues. That’s why people are advised to stay physically and mentally active. You don’t have to visit the gym. Here are some activities that could reduce anxiety :

Cycling
Walking
Swimming
Skipping
Aerobic exercises.

Eat Healthy

People who follow a healthy eating plan are likely to experience less anxiety.When eating balanced meals,ensure you take more proteins, carbs, and healthy fats. Also, take as adequate fluids as possible daily. A lack of essential nutrients such as vitamin B and magnesium can also affect your mood.

Self-Care

Self-care doesn’t have to be something complicated; just take care of your hygiene and well-being. Here are some self-care examples are :

Taking your bath
Strolling regularly
Reading books
Getting a massage
Yoga

Limit Your Caffeine Intake

Too much caffeine affects stress levels and leads to sleep disorders. While caffeine has many health benefits, moderation is key. Some caffeine alternatives are green tea, ginger smoothies, and milkshakes.

Spend More Time With Your Loved Ones

Quality time with those you love can help manage anxiety issues and improve your well-being. Those who have a better social support system experience better mental health. Try to disconnect from devices for a while and spend time with friends and family. If you don’t have them nearby, you could join a support group in your locality.

Reduce Your Screen Time

Youths spend most of their time on their smartphones and laptops. While this might be work-related or for social reasons, spending excessive time on your mobile phones is bad. Try to reduce your screen time and relate more with people in real life. However, excessive use of social media and the Internet can contribute to higher stress levels.

Bottom Line

Too much stress can affect your mental and physical well-being. Some factors that cause anxiety are too much work, not sleeping enough, and inactivity, amongst others. The above strategies are easy solutions that could help minimize your stress levels.