Dreams and sleep quality are closely connected to mental health, especially with depression. Poor sleep — whether too little or too much — can worsen depression symptoms, and disrupted sleep often means disrupted dreaming too.
Here are some ways sleep and dreams can affect mental health:
- Fragmented sleep can interrupt the Show Full Answer
Dreams and sleep quality are closely connected to mental health, especially with depression. Poor sleep — whether too little or too much — can worsen depression symptoms, and disrupted sleep often means disrupted dreaming too.
Here are some ways sleep and dreams can affect mental health:
- Fragmented sleep can interrupt the REM stage, where most dreaming happens, leaving you feeling unrestored
- Vivid or distressing dreams can be a side effect of some antidepressants
- Poor sleep quality is linked to increased risk of depression
- Better sleep tends to support more stable mood and emotional processing Some helpful ways to improve sleep quality (and therefore support healthier dreaming) include:
- Avoiding screens at least an hour before bed
- Going to bed at the same time each night
- Reading a physical book before sleep — research suggests this can reduce sleep disturbances
- Exercising during the day
If sleep issues persist, it's worth talking to a healthcare provider, as they can explore options that work alongside any current depression treatment.
October 9
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