Sleep and mental health

In humans, the amount of sleep a person needs depends upon their age. New-born babies tend to sleep for an average of 16–18 hours per day, which decreases to about 13–14 hours after one year. Adolescents tend to require more sleep than adults, possibly due to the physiological changes that are happening in the body during this period.

As the person reaches adulthood they tend to sleep 7–8 hours per day. Older adults tend to sleep roughly 6–7 hours per day, but take more frequent naps throughout the day. The amount of time an average adult needs to sleep varies from person to person and can range between 5 and 11 hours.

There is clear evidence that sleep deprivation hurts emotion and performance. Sleep has an important restorative function in ‘recharging’ the brain at the end of each day, just like we need to charge a mobile phone battery after prolonged use. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle allows the natural rhythm of the body to be reset every day and therefore optimises brain functioning.

How does poor sleep affect mental health?

Sleep and mental health are intertwined with each other. Missed sleep can lead to psychological and physical ill-health in many ways.

Psychological symptoms and effects include:

• Low mood
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Erratic behaviour
• Poor cognitive functioning and performance (e.g. forgetfulness, making mistakes and slower thinking than normal)
• Psychotic episodes

Physical symptoms and effects include:

• Physical symptoms of anxiety
• Tiredness
• Elevation in blood pressure and stress hormones
• Negative effects on cardiovascular health (increased risk of strokes and heart attacks)
• Immune damage which can lead to many physical problems

Improving your sleeping habits for better mental health

Good sleep does not just mean getting a lot of sleep, but the right kind. It is important to get good-quality sleep and the following can help you get good sleep:

1. Establish a regular sleep-wake cycle – try to sleep and wake at regular times consistently.
2. Try to ensure that you have a comfortable bed and bedroom – noise, light and temperature should be tailored to your preferences if possible.
3. Limit the use of stimulants – such as caffeine, nicotine and alcohol near bedtime.
4. Avoid drinking excessive liquids – especially in the evening to minimise chances of waking to empty your bladder.
5. Avoid going to bed until you are drowsy and ready to sleep – Most people who suffer from insomnia spend more time in bed lying awake rather than asleep.
6. Regular daily exercise – but not too late in the evening as this could be stimulating.
7. Avoid electronic devices late at night – such as computers, mobiles, tablets and so on; the bright light can be overly stimulating and keep you awake.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

As one of the leading Homecare providers of bespoke Mental Health in the UK, we pride ourselves on flexibly offering superior support – with everything from day-to-day care to highly specialised clinical expertise.

We offer:

• Flexible Support based on your mental health needs
• A registered nurse or carer to accompany you to or from appointments
• Someone to be on-hand to assist with your treatment and medication
• The ability to maintain intellectual stimulation
• Protection from vulnerable situations
• Guidance about charities and organisations who offer various forms of help

Please call our Homecare team on 0203 008 5210 or email us info@cavendishhomecare.com to see how we can assist you.