Frequent sleep disturbances can be associated with a higher risk of mental health problems down the track – Sleep Health Foundation
I think it’s safe to say that we all recognise that sleep is one of the most fundamental pillars of health, however, it’s often overlooked. Having a good night’s sleep isn’t just about feeling rested, it plays an important role in how we process emotions, manage stress and support overall well-being. It’s especially vital for anyone navigating emotional challenges, mental health issues or recovering from addiction.
Throughout our lives, things can come up that throw our sleep patterns out of whack, whether it’s stress, anxiety, disrupted routines or the highs and lows of recovery. These things can make it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, affecting your long-term emotional resilience.
At The Bardo, we recognise that a key to supporting recovery is understanding how sleep affects the mind and body. When you start recognising the connection between rest, emotional regulation and mental health, we can look at creating routines and setting up environments that foster restorative sleep to give your body the energy it needs to heal.
What is the role of sleep in recovery?
Restorative sleep is the kind of deep, quality sleep that helps your body recharge, your mind reset, and your emotions feel steadier the next day. It supports the body’s physical recovery processes, including muscle repair, immune function, detoxification, and energy restoration.
Having adequate sleep can enhance cognitive functions such as concentration,
decision-making, and memory. For individuals navigating recovery or emotional challenges, these cognitive abilities are vital for progress and stability. By prioritising restorative sleep, individuals can work on their emotional regulation, making it easier to manage stress and engage in therapeutic activities effectively.
Sleep and emotional regulation
When you’re not sleeping properly, it can affect your mood, cause anxiety and increase stress levels. From a biological perspective, insufficient sleep affects the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions, causing it to become overactive. At the same time, the prefrontal cortex, which normally helps manage emotional responses, becomes less effective. This imbalance can make emotional reactions more extreme and less controlled.
Thankfully, consistent, restorative sleep can help restore this balance. Regular deep sleep supports the brain in resetting its emotional processing systems, reducing emotional reactivity, and improving coping skills. If you’re in recovery or facing other emotional challenges, prioritising sleep can make it easier to engage with therapy, manage stress, and maintain a stable mood.
Sleep issues during recovery
Some common issues you might face during recovery include insomnia, nightmares, and disrupted sleep due to stress or substance withdrawal. All these challenges are normal, and of course, manageable with the right support.
At The Bardo, we’re here to support your recovery. We have created a serene environment where calm is prioritised to encourage restorative sleep. We help you keep sleep-friendly routines, and by integrating holistic therapies, evidence-based approaches, mindfulness and education about sleep hygiene, we can help you rebuild healthy sleep patterns that support emotional regulation.
Some practical tips include:
- Keeping a consistent bedtime
- Limiting screen time
- Using mindfulness or breathing techniques at bedtime
- Avoiding caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime
Small, manageable changes can make a big difference to your sleep quality, especially with guidance from our therapists.
Sleep for emotional regulation in recovery
Getting good sleep can make a real difference in how you feel and cope each day during the recovery process. At The Bardo, we help you create routines and habits that support restful sleep, so your mind and body have the space to recover. Even small changes, with a little guidance, can make nights calmer and days easier.
