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How a Positive Attitude Can Promote Healthy Sleep

woman enjoys healthy sleep upon waking

Quality sleep is one of the most important facets of a healthy lifestyle, but improving sleep patterns is often easier said than done.  There are several changes you can make to work on getting better sleep such as eliminating evening screen time and avoiding caffeine, but new research also suggests that having an optimistic attitude may promote higher quality sleep.  A regular sleep cycle can improve mental health, focus, and energy levels, and can be a critical tool in maintaining sobriety for those in recovery from addiction.  A recent study observed the sleep patterns of participants who were first given assessed based on their varying levels of optimism and positivity.  The results showed a significant correlation between optimism and quality sleep, even after adjusting for health issues and symptoms of depression. While there is still much research to be done to confirm and expand upon these findings, experts theorize that poor sleep quality is likely tied to worry and negative thought patterns.  People who take a generally pessimistic view of life tend to expect bad things in their future and are more likely to lay awake at night worrying about what’s to come. 

Sleep Has to Be High Priority 

For those in recovery, sleep issues are a common symptom of withdrawal and mental health struggles.  Getting back to healthy sleep patterns is vital to improving your mental and physical health, and learning to become more optimistic can help.  You can’t force yourself to become optimistic overnight, but try taking small steps towards positivity. You may choose to keep a gratitude journal or surround yourself with positive people.  It is also important to seek professional help for all matters related to your addiction and mental health so that you can create be the best foundation for optimism to thrive in your life.
