- ABC of Mental Health
- Posts
- Make Sleep A Priority!
Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your go-to guide for nurturing well-being—one newsletter at a time. Tomorrow, we celebrate World Sleep Day and thus this week’s newsletter is diving into why sleep isn’t just a luxury but a necessity for our mental, emotional, and physical health. Let’s explore how we can prioritize sleep and reap its benefits.
If you enjoy reading this, share it with someone who could use better sleep 😴😊
One relevant recommendation:
Prime your environment for sleep:
Build your bedroom like a sanctuary for rest. Reduce blue light exposure before bed, invest in comfortable bedding, and maintain a cool, dark, and quiet space. Try incorporating a nighttime ritual—like reading, stretching, or deep breathing—to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
Two Quotes on the Power of Sleep:
Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global, on the importance of sleep: “Sleep is a performance enhancer. It helps us make better decisions, be more creative, and live happier lives.”
Brené Brown, researcher & author, on rest and resilience:
"Exhaustion is not a status symbol. Rested people are kinder, more creative, and more present."
Three TherapyShorts from TST
Understanding Sleep Debt: Chronic sleep deprivation adds up like debt, affecting focus, mood, and long-term health. If you find yourself consistently running on less-than-ideal sleep, make small, sustainable changes—like setting a consistent bedtime or avoiding caffeine late in the day—to start repaying your sleep debt. Small changes can make a big impact.
How Sleep Affects Emotional Regulation: Ever noticed how everything feels worse after a sleepless night? Poor sleep can heighten stress responses, making it harder to manage emotions. Not everyone has an easy relationship with sleep. Whether it’s racing thoughts, overwork, or disrupted sleep cycles, struggling with rest doesn’t mean you’re failing. Small changes—like dimming screens before bed or creating a wind-down ritual—can help. Prioritizing rest improves emotional resilience, helping you navigate daily challenges with more clarity and calmness.
Reframing Rest as Productivity: In a culture that glorifies hustle, rest is often seen as wasted time. In reality, quality sleep fuels productivity, decision-making, and creativity. Shifting your mindset to see rest as an investment rather than an indulgence can help you make it a priority. A well-timed nap (20-30 minutes) can also improve focus and energy without disrupting nighttime sleep. If your schedule allows, try incorporating power naps when needed instead of relying on caffeine to push through fatigue.
A QUESTION?
Which of these is your biggest sleep challenge? Vote here!
Last week, we asked you which is the most meaningful way to support women, and the responses were… (drumroll please)…
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
—
You’re receiving this email because you showed an interest in therapy, mental health, and/or well-being at The Social Therapist. If at any point you’d like to stop receiving this weekly newsletter aimed at improving mental health, please feel free to unsubscribe below. We’d hate to see you go, but we completely respect your decision to leave :)
Reply