Sleep seems like the ultimate passive activity, and the least productive part of our day or night. But just the opposite is true. Sleep is a remarkably productive and critical part of our lives. Sleep helps both the brain and the body rejuvenate. Sleep has been shown to help keep the body’s immune system strong, and can also help regulate moods and reduce stress.
Because sleep is particularly important to brain health, establishing and maintaining good habits for restful, effective sleep sometimes called good sleep hygiene is a key component in managing the symptoms of depression or bipolar illness.
Everyone has trouble sleeping sometimes, and in general, most of us probably need more and better sleep than we’re getting. Yet good quality sleep can be the first thing to be compromised when we’re overscheduled, overstressed, or suffering from depression.