Most people would agree that they feel better after getting a good night’s sleep and not so good when they haven’t slept well. However, many would also agree that in today’s fast-paced world sleep seems to be one thing that can be expendable. If we are going to prioritise sleep above the many other things that are fighting for our time and attention it is important to understand what exactly sleep does for us.
What does sleep do for us?
Sleep allows time for our bodies and minds to perform many essential biological functions. It aids physical recovery and repair, supports brain development, cardiac function and body metabolism, as well as supporting learning, improving memory and mood.
Having enough sleep to allow these essential functions to take place means that we can wake up more alert, energetic and better able to concentrate and perform our daily tasks.
On the flip side, not having enough sleep can lead to problems with thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood; all of which make it harder for us to do what needs to be done each day. Additionally, regular insufficient or poor sleep can contribute to long-term health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and poor mental health.
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing – it is worth prioritising!
On average, adults require 7 – 9 hours of sleep a night. While it is normal to have a bad night’s sleep every so often, if you are regularly having trouble getting to or staying asleep then why not book in with one of our highly-skilled, experienced Psychologists to help you get your sleep back on track?
Katelyn (M Clin Psych, BA (Hons – First Class), MAPS) has experience working at a leading university research clinic in the area of anxiety disorders, as a school counsellor and in private practice work for adult mental health in the the North Shore area of Sydney. Katelyn is committed to establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients by providing them with a safe and secure space to share their story. As a mother of school aged children with a busy load herself, she is well positioned to understand the challenges faced in doing life, school and work.
Katelyn’s approach takes an evidence-based focus, while maintaining a flexible and collaborative manner, to ensure that treatment is in line with her clients’ needs. She uses a range of evidence-based interventions, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and supportive counselling with the overall aim of helping people of all ages utilise their strengths to achieve their desired outcomes and enhance their quality of life.
Katelyn is the wife of an Anglican Minister and has a particular interest in supporting clergy wives and families cope with the challenges that ministry can present.