It may be an open door, but a bad night’s sleep has a major impact on your complaints and vice versa. For example, people with feelings of sadness or anxiety complaints have trouble with sleeping in 60-80% of the cases. The scientific knowledge about sleep in relation to mental complaints is already quite large and is still growing. We now know that improving sleep is an important part of treating mental complaints.

What can I do in case of sleeping problems?

You can do a lot yourself to improve your sleep. For example, take a look on the page about sleeping problem on thuisarts.nl. There you will find scientifically proven advice on sleeping problems. It is also advisable to talk to your doctor about your sleeping problems. It may be that the sleeping complaints have a medical cause. Your doctor or psychologist in the general practice can help you with practical tips or find a treatment for sleeping problems.

Sleep journal of diary?: a way to get insights 

You can get started with the tips from the internet, but perhaps this is all a bit too much for you. Changing sleeping habits and sleeping problems is quite a job. Allow yourself time and start small, for example by keeping a sleep diary. By keeping a record of your sleep for a week, you will find out how you sleep and what factors influence your sleep. This will give you insight and perhaps already encourage change.

Sleep therapy, does that exist?

In addition to these general tips, there is also a real sleep therapy. This therapy has been specially developed for people with insomnia. And the best thing is that it is scientifically proven to be effective. Do you want to know more about this? Then search for CBT-i online or read the book “improve your sleep”. Good to know: improving your sleep with this therapy also reduces complaints, such as depression and panic attacks.

By the way, did you know that sleep therapy is more effective and healthier than sleep medication? I will write more about that in my next blog.

Online help

Do you have sleeping problems? Start today with a sleep diary. Need help with the dairy or do you want other help? Ask a coach for more information.