The impact of sleep deprivation on mental health isn’t well understood, but there is ample evidence that poor or insufficient sleep leads to a decline in cognitive performance and changes in mood.
At the very least, people who aren’t well rested find they have less energy over the course of the day.
“Mattresses don’t cure a health problem, but they can help,” he says.
For instance, if you have diabetes you may need to sleep with your legs elevated. If you’re undergoing continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), you may need to sleep with your head elevated. Either way, you should consider an adjustable bed and mattress set that allows for height manipulation.
If you and your partner have different needs for comfort, a plush top mattress is firm enough to support men who tend to sleep on their stomach or back, but soft enough to cradle women who typically sleep on their side.
Failing to get enough rest is bad for you for many, many reasons. Here are 5 ways it hurts mental health, in particular:
Alertness
If you don’t get enough sleep at night, it’s harder to stay alert during the day. That heightens the risk of dosing off during periods when being alert is particularly important. An estimated 1 in 25 adult drivers report having fallen asleep while driving in the previous 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Up to 6,000 fatal crashes each year may be caused by drowsy drivers.
Attention
Attention deficit disorder is the most common diagnosis for attention issues, but the inability to attend is also a symptom of too little sleep. Even the impulsivity normally associated with ADD can be caused by sleep issues.
Memory
People who don’t get enough rest have a harder time retaining information. If you can’t remember where you put the car keys, or where you parked the car, or a phone number that you’ve called a hundred times, a good night’s sleep could be the solution.
Irritability
People who are exhausted tend to be grouchy. Those who are well rested are less likely to snap at loved ones or co-workers.
Brain structure and function
Sleep deprivation can actually alter the neocortex, amygdala and hippocampus, the parts of the brain thought to be the center of emotion, memory and the autonomic nervous system.
A good night’s sleep should never be taken for granted.
For more than 52 years, Buckeye Furniture has been helping customers get better sleep with the best selection of mattresses in the area. Whether you shop online or in person, you can rest assured that you’re getting a great mattress, a great price and great customer service.
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