Sleep Hygiene + Mental Health

Explanation:
Sleep hygiene refers to behavioral and environmental practices supporting restorative sleep. Poor sleep disrupts prefrontal–limbic regulation, heightening emotional reactivity and impairing decision‑making. Irish et al. (2015) note that consistent routines, comfortable environments, and reduced screen time support circadian regulation, improving mood stability, memory consolidation, and stress tolerance.
The relationship between sleep and mental health is bidirectional—sleep problems increase risk for anxiety and depression, while psychopathology often worsens sleep.

Example:
A client creates a wind‑down routine with low lighting, stretches, and avoids screens—leading to calmer evenings and improved emotional resilience.

Citation:
Irish, L. A., et al. (2015). The role of sleep hygiene in promoting public health. Journal of Sleep Research, 24(1), 10–18.