Will your mental health be better in the morning?
Does going to sleep and choosing to deal with your issues in the morning improve your mental health? This is true, according to new research.
The study shows that mood is a temporary feeling, while mental health and well-being are wider, more stable conditions that involve emotions, thoughts and life satisfaction.
Dr. Kevin Koo, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care, says sleeping benefits your mental health, mood and brain health. “Our brain does some recovery while we sleep, contributing to healthier brain functioning,” he says.
The stress hormone cortisol starts to lower around midafternoon and begins to peak upon waking up in the morning. Decision fatigue also sets in around midday.
“Trying to keep your mind in the moment and being present for what is right in front of you is important to staying healthy,” Dr. Koo states.
How much the mind dwells on something that is troubling will determine whether the mood or emotions are temporary.
Dr. Koo suggests the following to improve your overall mental health:
- Sleeping to a restful state
- Eating healthy
- Exercising regularly
- Staying hydrated with water
- Practicing self-care
“When we are rested, we tend to manage our emotions better and make healthier decisions,” Dr. Koo says.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of emotional distress, call or text the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988.
Find behavioral health treatment and programs near you: Illinois | Wisconsin
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
