5 Invaluable Benefits of CBT for Adult ADHD
Life with adult attention-deficit disorder (ADHD) has unique ups and downs. Here are five ways you can use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to successfully manage your adult ADHD.
Healthy Sleep Habits to Commit to for the New Year
Lots of people make New Year’s Resolutions involving better health. You might decide to cut back on unhealthy foods, quit smoking, or go to the doctor more regularly. But have you thought about committing to healthier sleep habits?
You might not know about just how much the quality of your sleep impacts your overall health and wellness. If you have a sleep disorder like insomnia, you might be suffering more than you realize from disrupted sleep. By improving your sleep habits, you could find yourself losing weight, lowering your blood pressure, and even rebalancing your moods.
At Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, our team of psychiatric and mental health specialists treat patients who want to improve their sleep habits and reap the benefits of better rest. From our North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, office, our care team can work with you to build better sleep habits in 2021.
How important is a good night’s sleep?
Sleep deprivation leaves you feeling fatigued during the day and can negatively affect your memory and ability to concentrate. If you’re chronically short on sleep, you might find your temper getting short, too, as you deal with increased irritability and mood swings.
You could even develop a full-blown mood disorder like anxiety or depression, or find your existing mental health symptoms worsening as a result of chronic sleeplessness. And, the increased mistakes, errors, and accidents that tend to follow sleep-deprived people might only exacerbate your emotional frustration and worsening self-image.
The benefits of regular and sustained sleep for your overall health and wellness are substantial. When your body and mind get enough rest each night, you’re less prone to infections and other physical health problems, and better able to handle the stresses of everyday life without mental distress.
Healthy habits to try
You have every reason to try and improve your “sleep hygiene” by developing healthier sleep habits in the New Year. However, handling sleep struggles can seem overwhelming, frustratingly out of your control. You can break better sleep strategies down into a few core components. Even trying one strategy at a time can lead to improved sleep.
Find your routine
You’ll sleep best if you can develop a consistent bedtime and waking time, even on weekends or days off. You need at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, so plan accordingly!
Your evening routine impacts your sleep quality, as well. You should avoid eating and drinking too much as you get closer to bedtime. Drinking alcohol right before bed can make it more difficult to sleep deeply and uninterruptedly, as well.
Build your dream bedroom
A restful environment can help you defeat insomnia and sleep problems. Your bedroom should be dark and quiet. Adjust the temperature when you go to bed so you’ll stay comfortable all night. Removing electronic devices, including TVs and smartphones, from your sleep environment may also prove helpful in getting you to sleep on time. You should plan on turning off electronics and bright lights at least 30 minutes before your bedtime.
Keep a positive attitude
Changing your sleep habits can be challenging, so keep your outlook positive. If you find yourself struggling at night, don’t lie in bed and sweat your sleeplessness. After about 20 minutes of restlessness, try getting up for a while and doing a quiet activity. Wait until you feel sleepy to try going to bed.
Staying active during the day can make a difference in your sleep quality, too. Good diet and plenty of exercise help your body get ready for sleep when the time is right.
Get support now
The providers at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates can give you the support you need to attain your dreams of better sleep. We offer a full range of treatment options for patients with insomnia, beginning with an individualized comprehensive evaluation and screening and putting together your treatment plan from there.
You might benefit from stress management support, counseling, or prescription medications, in addition to changes in your lifestyle and habits.
To learn more, contact Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates today. You can book your initial consultation appointment over the phone, or request your appointment online.
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