Dr. Thomas Maples

Written by Karen Weeks

When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re likely to feel a bit cranky. But consistently missing out on sleep can have more severe and long-term impacts on your mental health. In fact, some recent studies cited by Live Science have found that a lack of sleep can lead to mental health issues. So, whether you want to improve your mood or improve your overall emotional health, you need to improve the quality of your sleep. 

Of course, doing this can be much easier said than done. But following these sleep hacks, tips, and resources from Dr. Thomas Maples can make getting the rest you need less of a hassle. 

Practical and Consistent Stress Relief Practices 

Stress is a common cause of insomnia, and too much stress can also have mental health impacts. So if you want to protect your mental health, start by reducing your stress. 

• Start by minimizing stress at home by decluttering and letting in fresh air. 
• One relaxation space you should consider adding is a yoga and meditation room. 
• That’s because meditation and yoga practice can drastically reduce stress. 
• Optimize natural light by searching Angi for “residential window cleaners near me.”

Regular and Well-Timed Physical Fitness Routines 

Exercise is essential for overall health and well-being but it turns out that staying physically active can also improve your sleep. Of course, there are a few fitness tips to keep in mind. 

• First, make sure you understand the connection between sleep and physical activity. 
• Timing your workouts right can also be important when it comes to getting better sleep. 
• If you’re looking for functional clothes that balance comfort and style, Davy Piper is the place!
• If you can’t get to the gym, you can jumpstart your routine with online fitness classes.
• Purchase a wireless speaker you can use with your smartphone to listen to music. 
• Evening workouts can interfere with sleep, so try doing some gentle yoga instead. 

Healthy, Balanced, and Mindful Diet and Food Choices 

In addition to reducing stress and increasing physical activity, you also need to focus on cleaning up your diet. That’s because what and how you eat can also impact your sleep. 

• Just as with exercise, timing your meals right can influence the quality of your sleep. 
• Eating certain foods can also either improve or decrease how well you sleep at night. 
• If you are following diets like Keto and Paleo, you may notice a difference in your sleep. 
• But the Mediterranean Diet may be your best bet for better sleep and overall health. 
• Additionally, there is research that poor sleep quality can lead to poorer diet choices. 

There’s no question about it: You need better sleep if you want better mental health. Plus, getting the quality sleep you need can provide a boost for your fitness, your diet, and your overall health. So start making changes to your routines so that you can sleep better and feel healthier. 

Dr. Thomas Maples is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. His philosophy encompasses providing a uniquely individualized experience to help you re-ignite those passions once thought lost. Call (209) 565-1514.