Everyone needs sleep. That’s just a fact. A person’s body (and brain, of course) depends on quality sleep. From repairing tissues to consolidating memories, a good sleep does a lot behind the scenes. 

But not everyone sleeps the optimal amount. Although it is advised to sleep at least seven hours per night as an adult, this varies from person to person. Some individuals, for instance, will sleep get five hours of sleep and remain healthy, while others need a minimum of eight hours to function.

Not getting enough sleep does have nasty side effects. You might find that your immune system weakens, your blood pressure increases, and you could even feel hungrier at times. Poor sleep does so much more than just impact your body physically, though – it also affects your mental health.

So, are you worried about your sleep quality and how it influences your mental health? If so, this post could be a handy read. Below, you will find three ways poor sleep affects your mental health listed.

Impaired cognitive function

Have you ever tried to focus on something after a bad night’s sleep? It’s not easy. Your brain feels foggy. Simple tasks take longer. You might research the same sentence three times and still not take it in.

Sleep plays a big role in how your brain processes. How your brain stores information, too. While you’re asleep, your brain sorts through the day’s events. It strengthens important memories. Without enough rest, this process doesn’t work as well as it should. Over time, that leads to trouble with concentration, decision-making, and learning.

Poor sleep also affects reaction times and problem-solving skills. That’s one reason why driving while sleep-deprived is dangerous. Your brain simply isn’t firing on all cylinders.

When this becomes a regular pattern, it starts to chip away at your confidence. You may feel frustrated with yourself. You’re forgetful. You’re unfocused. This frustration then turns into stress, which makes it even harder to sleep. It becomes a tough-to-break cycle.

Risk of mood disorders

Sleep is closely linked to mood. If you’ve ever felt irritable after a short night (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?). You already know this to be true. Small problems seem bigger. Patience runs thin. You snap at people you care about.

When poor sleep continues for weeks or months, the effects are more serious. Ongoing sleep deprivation is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression. No, this doesn’t mean that lack of sleep directly causes these conditions on its own. Instead, it increases your risk.

Your brain (as well as your body) relies on sleep. For the brain, sleep regulates chemicals that control mood. Without enough rest, these chemicals are unbalanced. You might notice certain signs of this; like constant worry, low motivation, or even persistent sadness. Some people experience mood swings that feel difficult to explain.

What makes this tricky is that anxiety and depression make it harder to sleep. Another cycle, unfortunately. Racing thoughts, restlessness, and early-morning waking – all very common. Poor sleep affects mood. Low mood affects sleep.

Accelerated brain ageing

Despite sounding dramatic, this is worth paying attention to. Research suggests chronic sleep deprivation might contribute to faster cognitive decline as you age. Learn more by reading this study on The Lancet.

Your brain clears waste products, which build up throughout the day, during deep sleep. Try to think of it as a nightly clean-up, of sorts. When you regularly miss out on quality sleep, the clean-up doesn’t happen as efficiently; surprise, surprise. Over many years, there’s an impact on long-term brain health.

Some studies have linked poor sleep with an increased risk of memory problems later in life. Sleep’s just one piece of this puzzle, though, but it is a piece you have the power to control.

Sleep isn’t a luxury. It’s a basic need. If you brush off restless nights as “a part of life,” you need to take a closer look. Your mind will thank you for it.

Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.