Autumn and sleep

October 28, 2024

Article author Mari Krüüner

In autumn, as days shorten and the weather turns colder, many people may experience a drop in mood and a decrease in energy. It is precisely at this time that sleep and mental health support become particularly important. Sleep is one of the most crucial factors that strongly affects our physical health, well-being, level of cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being. We spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping. Sleep is essential for human survival. However, sleep only began to be studied in more detail in the last century. Insufficient sleep can cause stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. Does better sleep make us happier?

Scientists have studied the impact of sleep quality and duration on young people's emotions. The authors of the study concluded that protecting sleep duration can contribute to teenagers experiencing positive emotions. Improving sleep quality may reduce the likelihood of mood disorders. Therefore, to increase the probability of experiencing happiness and positive emotions, teenagers should get sufficient sleep.

A person's inner balance also affects sleep quality. For example, self-satisfaction, or empathy towards oneself, helps to feel gratitude for everything that exists and to have a positive attitude towards one's surroundings. In this way, it is possible to focus on various positive aspects before falling asleep and reduce negative thoughts that increase anxiety levels and can affect sleep quality.

Sleep will continue to be one of the most important factors that affects us in every way. Better sleep is closely linked to a happy life, as it allows for more positive emotions and thereby reduces stress levels. Positive emotions and contentment, in turn, can improve sleep. Good sleep helps to balance autumnal mood swings, improve well-being, and help one feel happier.

Sources that anyone can explore further:
Semenchuck, B. N., Onchulenko, S., Strachan, S. M. (2022). Self-compassion and sleep quality: Examining the mediating role of taking a proactive health focus and cognitive emotional regulation strategies. Journal of Health Psychology, 27 (10), 2435-2445
Shen, L., van Schie, J., Ditchburn, G., Brook, L., and Bei, B. (2018). Positive and Negative Emotions: Differential Associations with Sleep Duration and Quality in Adolescents. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 47, 2584–2595. https://doi-org.ezproxy.utlib.ut.ee/10.1007/s10964-018-0899-1
Shepard, J. W., Buysse, D. J., Chesson, A. L., Dement, W. C., Goldberg, R., Guilleminault, C., … & White, D. P. (2005). History of the development of sleep medicine in the United States. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 1(01), 61-82.
Wood, A. M., Joseph, S., Lloyd, J., Atkins, S. (2009). Gratitude influences sleep through the mechanism of pre-sleep cognitions. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 66 (1), 43-48

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