The Problem of Sleep Disturbances in Canada
Everyone sleeps, right? Wrong. A staggering number of Canadians struggle with sleep, with over half of the population reporting difficulties with falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling tired throughout the day. This constant fatigue can have a significant impact on daily life, particularly for those in the workforce.
The Interconnectedness of Mental Health and Sleep
Mental health and sleep are intimately connected. Research has shown that the top four stress symptoms that cause missed work days are fatigue, sleeplessness, aches/pains, and high anxiety. This highlights the importance of addressing sleep disturbances in order to improve overall mental health and wellbeing.
Bringing Sleep Hygiene to the Forefront
Registered social worker and psychotherapist Kelsey Sharpless and certified sleep consultant Joelle Hill have teamed up to bring the topic of sleep to the forefront across the community. Through their research, they have identified the need for sleep hygiene education and support.
- Targeting employers and organizations to address the impact of sleep on the workplace
- Providing education and resources on sleep hygiene and mental health
- Offering follow-up conversations and one-on-one support
The Benefits of their Work
Their work has been met with significant success, with 94% of attendees recommending the presentation to others and 92% stating that it increased their understanding of individual and/or workplace wellness.
The Vicious Cycle of Sleep Disturbances
The issue with a lack of sleep is that it creates a vicious cycle, or a negative feedback loop that can simultaneously worsen mental health and sleep. Stress and worry can lead to declining mental health, which then leads to insomnia and sleeplessness, then feelings of fatigue, which results in difficulty focusing, and looping back to stress and worry. And the cycle continues.
“When we are dysregulated, we use mindfulness as a strategy for mental health. We talk about ways to manage anxiety by recognizing strategies for helpful thinking,” said Kelsey Sharpless.
Some healthy habits that contribute to a good night’s sleep are 20 minutes of movement a day, balanced eating without shame, journaling, and consistent self-care. The presentation also dives into methods of working around supporting factors for sleep, and how to develop safe and healthy routines to maximize that crucial need for sleep.
Once the initial presentation has taken place, Sharpless and Hill offer follow-up conversations, which include consultation, evaluation, and one-on-one support. For those interested in booking a presentation for the workplace, contact Kelsey Sharpless at kelsey@kelseysharpless.com.
By addressing the interconnectedness of mental health and sleep, Sharpless and Hill are working to break the cycle of sleep disturbances and promote better overall wellbeing. Their work serves as a reminder that sleep is not just a necessary function, but a crucial component of our mental health and wellbeing.