Episode 18 Can’t Sleep, Won’t Sleep: The Mental Health Cost of Bad Rest

Episode 18 Can’t Sleep, Won’t Sleep: The Mental Health Cost of Bad Rest

Keywords

sleep, insomnia, mental health, sleep deprivation, sleep cycle, sleep needs, sleep anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, sleep medication

Summary

In this conversation, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the critical role of sleep in our lives, discussing its importance for mental and physical health, the varying sleep needs across different life stages, and the impact of lifestyle choices such as caffeine and alcohol on sleep quality. They also delve into the vicious cycle of sleep anxiety and the potential risks associated with sleep medications, emphasizing the need for healthy sleep habits and routines.

Takeaways

Sleep is essential for mood regulation and memory processing.

Sleep deprivation can lead to increased emotional reactivity.

Insomnia affects a significant portion of the adult population.

Sleep needs vary across different life stages.

Caffeine and alcohol can significantly disrupt sleep quality.

Anxiety about sleep can create a vicious cycle of poor sleep.

Healthy sleep routines can improve sleep quality.

Environmental factors play a crucial role in sleep quality.

Medication for sleep can have risks and should be approached cautiously.

Binge sleeping on weekends does not compensate for sleep deficits.

Sound bites

"Sleep is absolutely essential."

"Sleep helps regulate our mood."

"Sleep loss affects our emotions."

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Sleep

05:04 Understanding Sleep Needs Across Life Stages

10:58 The Vicious Cycle of Sleep Anxiety

16:42 Disruption of Sleep: Caffeine, Alcohol, and Environment

22:30 Medication and Sleep: Risks and Realities

Questions

If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at [e-mail]

Resources

Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:

Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/

Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/

1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/

National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline [phone]

Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem

Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/