The Importance of Sleep on Mood and Focus
Over the years, you’ve probably heard that everyone needs around 7-9 hours of sleep (or more for children!), but do you know why sleep is important?
Most adults are familiar with the feeling of exhaustion, whether they’ve pulled an all-nighter studying for college, stayed up late with their children, or if they’ve struggled with a sleep disorder.
Either way, we tend to ignore the negative effects sleep deprivation has on our bodies, simply because we can function throughout the day. It might not be our best, but we can still make it through the day in one piece.
So, does getting a good night’s sleep really make a difference?
In short, yes! And here’s why.
Sleep Deprivation Can Negatively Impact Your Mood
This might feel like common sense, especially if you’ve experienced the effects of sleep deprivation firsthand, but do you know why sleep affects your mood?
When your body doesn’t get enough sleep, it throws off your hormone levels! The hormones serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol (the hormones that affect thought, mood, and energy) are majorly affected.
This hormone imbalance is why you wake up feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and irritable after a bad night’s rest.
Sure, you can function during the day, but you aren’t operating at your best because you’re mentally and physically exhausted.
After sleeping properly, your mood will return to normal!
Related: Does Your Child Have ADHD or Anxiety?
Lack of Sleep Hinders Your Ability to Focus
Similar to your mood, sleep deprivation affects your concentration abilities! Your attention span is the most sensitive to the effects of sleep deprivation.
Your attention is about focus and concentration. You need to be able to stay with tasks long enough to be productive.
Without proper sleep, you’ll have trouble concentrating, solving problems, focusing, and staying alert! In fact, studies have shown that going too long without sleep can impair your ability to drive. It’s practically the same as drunk driving.
In addition to your attention span suffering, sleep deprivation causes your memories to consolidate.
Everything you learn during the day will most likely be forgotten.
Adequate sleep makes it possible for you to learn and think efficiently.
So How Can You Sleep Better?
If sleep deprivation is a constant problem in your life, you should tell your doctor. You might need a change in medications or a sleep study to solve the problem at the root of your sleeplessness.
Healthy habits and routines can improve your rest!
Try the following and see if it helps you sleep better:
Avoid drinking caffeine before bedtime
Create a calming bedtime routine
Avoid napping close to bedtime
Go to bed at the same time every night
Avoid watching TV or looking at your phone close to bedtime
Take medications earlier in the day
Exercise during the day
Sleeping too little can majorly affect your mood and your ability to focus.
If you’re having a hard time staying focused, I highly recommend taking a look at your sleeping habits!
Make sure you get enough rest each night so your body can perform at its best.