There is clear evidence that sleep deprivation has a negative effect on emotion and performance.
The psychological effects of sleep deprivation can affect us massively and significantly impact our daily mood.
The results of one study (Yoo, Gujjar et al (2007). A deficit in the ability to form new human memories without sleep.
Nature Neuroscience, 10(3), 385-392) indicate that a night of restful sleep may ‘reset’ brain reactivity to prepare for emotional challenges the next day.
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 and can improve mental health.
Ongoing poor sleep can be a huge risk factor for the development of major depressive disorder. The risk of feeling depressed and/or anxious (as well as worsening existing anxiety and depression) increases with the severity of insomnia, and so it is important to recognise and sort out sleep problems as soon as they are identified.
The effects of a lack of sleep
Missed sleep can lead to psychological and physical ill health in many ways.
Psychological symptoms and effects include:
Seven steps to improve your sleeping habits for better mental health:
