Health

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

Published

1 year 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

Disordered Eating Vs. Eating Disorder: Experts Explain The Differences And When To Seek Help

Published

3 weeks ago

27 November 2025

Trisha Dona

Disordered eating and clinical eating disorders are not interchangeable. Disordered eating refers to irregular or emotionally influenced habits around food: chronic dieting, skipping meals, rigid food rules, occasional binge episodes or persistent preoccupation with calories, weight or body shape. These habits may shift, but when repeated over time they often point to growing vulnerability.

Clinical eating disorders, by contrast, are diagnosed mental-health or medical conditions marked by persistent, patterned behaviours that impair physical health, mental wellbeing or daily functioning. Conditions such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge‑eating disorder and other specified feeding or eating disorders fall into this category.

Image: Google

Evidence from Nigerian research confirms that disordered eating attitudes and risk for eating disorders are present among young adults and adolescents. In a study of more than 1,050 undergraduates from two higher‑education institutions in Lagos, roughly 16 percent scored positive on the EAT‑26 screening tool for disordered eating attitudes.

At a university in Ile‑Ife, a survey of female undergraduates found that 17.1 percent were classified as at high risk for eating disorders, based on the same screening instrument.

A more recent analysis among female undergraduates in Lagos found a lower prevalence of disordered eating (about 5 percent). Still, the study flagged a strong association between body-image dissatisfaction, body‑mass index (BMI) and disordered eating attitudes.
Adolescents are not exempt: a survey of 13 to 19-year-olds in Ibadan used screening tools to assess disordered eating behaviours and feeding/eating disorders. Results showed that 28.2 percent exhibited disordered eating behaviours, and a significant portion also met screening criteria for feeding/eating disorders.

Image credit: Google

Clinical, clearly diagnosed cases have also been documented. There’s a recorded instance of a 20-year-old undergraduate at a Nigerian university diagnosed with anorexia nervosa showing that what may start as dieting or food anxiety can escalate into serious health and psychiatric risk.

Because disordered eating and eating disorders exist within the Nigerian context, distinguishing between them matters. Persistent preoccupation with food, weight or body shape; regular dieting, bingeing or purging; emotional distress tied to eating; and disruption of everyday life are all red flags. When those signs persist, seeking professional support whether nutritional counselling, psychological therapy or medical care becomes essential.

Health

The Exercise That Keeps You Younger

Published

2 months ago

13 October 2025

If you’ve ever met someone in their fifties who moves like they’re still in their twenties, it’s likely they’ve discovered the simple habit that keeps the body from giving in to age: regular movement.

While fitness trends keep changing, one form of exercise has stayed constant in its benefits: strength training. It’s not about building bulky muscles or chasing a perfect body. It’s about keeping your bones strong, your joints stable, and your metabolism from slowing down. After the age of 30, the body naturally begins to lose muscle each year. That’s why everyday tasks, like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, start to feel heavier. Strength training helps reverse that.

Research supports this claim. People who lift weights or engage in resistance exercises have lower risks of diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. But beyond the science, it’s about how it makes you feel. Nigerians juggling work, traffic, and family life know how draining each day can be. Even short sessions of body-weight squats, lunges, or push-ups a few times a week can recharge you better than most expensive wellness fads.

It also boosts your mood. Physical activity releases chemicals that help clear mental fog and lift your energy. It’s your body’s way of proving it still has strength to give.

You don’t need a gym to start. A mat, a pair of dumbbells, or even two water bottles will do. The goal is to stay consistent, to keep your body active enough to stay responsive.

Each push, lift, or stretch is a reminder that staying young isn’t about denying age; it’s about moving through it with strength.

Health

Which Fruits Are Highest in Calcium?

Published

3 months ago

17 September 2025

When it comes to calcium, most people immediately think of milk, cheese, or yoghurt. But if you don’t consume dairy or just want variety, certain fruits can help fill the gap. While they won’t match dairy in calcium content, these fruits can contribute meaningfully to your daily needs.

Why Calcium Matters

Calcium isn’t just for strong bones and teeth. It also keeps muscles working properly, supports nerve function, and helps maintain a steady heartbeat. A consistent intake is essential at every stage of life, especially for growing children, women over 30, and older adults who face higher risks of bone loss. Here are some fruits that deliver calcium

Oranges

Oranges are widely available in Nigeria and more than just a source of vitamin C. A medium-sized orange contains around 60 mg of calcium, and fresh juice, particularly fortified versions, can provide even more.

Figs (Fresh and Dried)

Figs are among the top fruit sources of calcium. Five fresh figs offer roughly 90 mg, while half a cup of dried figs can reach about 120 mg. They also provide fiber and potassium, making them a wholesome addition to snacks or breakfast bowls.

Blackcurrants

Though less common locally, blackcurrants are worth noting. 100 grams supply about 55 mg of calcium and antioxidants that support overall health.

Kiwis

A cup of sliced kiwis contains approximately 35 mg of calcium. They also provide vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium from other foods.

Mulberries

Mulberries contain roughly 39 mg of calcium per 100 grams. They are also rich in iron and vitamin K, both of which work alongside calcium to maintain strong bones.

Papaya (Pawpaw)

Papaya is a staple in Nigerian markets and households. 100 grams provides about 30 mg of calcium. It’s refreshing on its own or paired with a splash of lime for breakfast or snacks.

Tangerines

Tangerines contain around 37 mg of calcium each. They are easy to carry, naturally sweet, and a convenient way to get a small calcium boost between meals.

Making Fruits Work for You

Fruits alone won’t meet your daily calcium requirement. However, when combined with vegetables, beans, or fish, they help you get closer without relying solely on dairy. For Nigerians, enjoying seasonal fruits like pawpaw, oranges, or tangerines is a simple and tasty way to support bone health.