How Does sleep and health interact?

How does sleep deprivation interact with a person's mental health? 

Sleep is important for our physical and mental health. The human body cannot survive without sleep. In fact there is even a rare fatal disease that is genetic and ultimately us fatal due to the lack of sleep. 

For someone with a family history or Bipolar Disorder, skimping on sleep may be the initial stressor for their first manic episode. Often it is also one of the tell tale signs of a manic episode when it has become extremely short in length and the individual doesn’t feel tired. This is why it’s not only important to monitor someone’s sleep but to encourage maintaining a regular healthy sleep schedule to prevent risk of decompensation.

Can lack of sleep issues cause psychiatric disorders? 

Yes, the lack of sleep can cause symptoms that are part of a psychiatric disorder.

Can lack of sleep worsen mental health conditions? 

The fatigue that occurs from poor sleep in depression can aggravate symptoms of depression like apathy, low motivation, slow cognition. 

What are some ways people can improve their sleeping habits?

Sleep Hygiene is a therapy that a therapist or psychologist can go over with you to encourage healthy sleep habits along with understanding some of the biology behind sleep.