Did you know that getting the right amount of sleep each night can make a big difference to your mood?
Sleep is like a mental health superpower.
And the best part is… it’s completely free!
If you’re still under 17, 8-10 hours is the ideal time to aim to sleep each night.
If you’re 18-25 you can afford a bit less, but should still be aiming for 7-9 hours a night.
Get the right amount of shut-eye and you’ll start to reap a load of benefits, including increased energy, improved memory, attention and concentration, less unhealthy cravings, and an increased ability to deal with stress.
Even though sleep feels so good, a lot of people still find it difficult to get enough each night.
That’s because your sleep can be affected by so many things – from the food you eat to feeling worried or anxious, to using technology before bed.
Related content:
Need help trying to sleep better? We’ve got you covered:
- Try to go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning – and try and keep as close to this as you can on weekends.
- Lower the brightness on any screens you use after dark (and try and put them away completely when you can).
- Avoid caffeine after noon, as it can stay in your system for anywhere up to 10 hours.
- Avoid daytime naps as they can make it harder to fall asleep in the evenings.
- Don’t push through tiredness. It is a message from your body that you need to get to sleep.
- If you find it hard to wind down in the evenings, try using a mindfulness app like Smiling Mind or Calm before you go to bed.
If you’ve tried all of these tips and are still having a hard time getting enough shut-eye, headspace can help.
You can make an appointment with us by calling our office on 6595 8990.
There is also more info here.
Meagan Ullrich is headspace Mandurah’s community awareness officer
