Staying up late at night and waking up late the next day – is a very common trait most of us developed during this prolonged quarantine. Fragmented sleeping patterns may contain an early warning sign of several moods and stress disorders, making an individual susceptible to adverse situations.
How can Irregular Sleeping Pattern causes stress and anxiety
Mood disorders such as depression are often triggered by stress, and irregular sleeping patterns can be the reason behind it.
People with high-stress jobs may develop a disrupted sleeping pattern, and that stress leads to worse sleep, followed by less resilience to stress, and the cycle goes on.
Why you should focus on your Sleeping Pattern
Let’s assume, sleep is the root cause behind your stressful mind and dampened mood, ask yourself if you are getting the necessary hours of Non-Rapid Eye Movement (N-REM), sleep.
Depression and sleep are associated in such a manner that it is quite difficult to discern the cause and effect. Patients suffering from depression might suffer through disturbed sleep, but those who experience insomnia are more receptive to developing stress and mood disorders.
How to Improve Your Sleeping Schedule
To get your sleep schedule back on track, you’re going to need to reset your body clock. Our body clocks synchronize our bodies’ circadian rhythms — the patterns of physical, mental, and behavioral changes, including sleep patterns, regulated by body temperature, hormone secretion, and external factors like light and darkness — according to the National Institutes of Health.
- Be patient and slowly adjust your sleeping schedule in small increments until you’re at your desired hour.
- Try avoiding napping as it can hinder your sleep at night. Being consistent is vital in maintaining a proper sleep schedule.
- Avoid exposure to any source of bright light including phone, laptop, or TV screens, and keep your surroundings dark if possible.
Text by: Ipsita Ghosh, IBTN9
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