Sleep: The Foundation We Keep Ignoring

We talk a lot about mental health in creative industries, but we don't talk nearly enough about sleep. And the two are deeply connected.

Sleep problems can both contribute to and exacerbate mental health conditions like depression and anxiety—and they can also be symptoms of those same conditions. It's a cycle many of us know too well: you're anxious so you can't sleep, and because you can't sleep, you're more anxious.

About one-third of adults report insomnia symptoms, that's a lot of us lying awake at 2am thinking about that client email or tomorrow's pitch.

The consequences go beyond just feeling tired. Poor sleep affects your ability to make decisions, your mood, your focus, and your energy. In other words, everything you need to do your best creative work.

Sleep is a basic human need and is critical to both physical and mental health. If you're struggling, it's worth taking seriously, not as a badge of honour for how hard you're working, but as something that deserves attention.

The American Psychiatric Association has put together a helpful overview of sleep disorders, what to look out for, and when to seek help. Worth a read.

‍

READ MORE