GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 12: A man suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder uses a light box in his office to combat the illness on October 12 2005 in Glasgow, Scotland. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or winter depression, is a mood disorder related to the change in the seasons and the resulting reduction of exposure to daylight. The end of British Summer time, when clocks go back one hour at the end of October, will see most people making their daily commute in darkness both ways. With winter nights stretching to 19 hours in the UK, and Scotland's often inclement weather, it is estimated that the "Winter Blues" can affect up to 20% of the population. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
Health - Wellness
Here's How Your Mental Health May Be Affecting Your Sleep
By ANNE TAYLOR
A lot of people struggle to get a good night's sleep, and there are many factors in your life that can be affecting your ability to catch some Z's. You may not have realized, however, how much your mental health may be impacting your sleep habits.
Anxiety or stress causes the body to be in a "fight or flight" mode, increasing heart rate and blood pressure which can make it difficult to relax enough to fall asleep. Additionally, people with depression experience negative thoughts and emotions that make it hard to drift off.
PTSD can increase your risk of nightmares; while mania can make you feel so energetic that you can't sleep at all. It's easy to downplay the importance of something unseen, but mental health is just as vital as physical health. If you're having trouble sleeping, it's important to talk to your doctor about any mental health concerns you may have.
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