Websites & Resources
'Getting a Good Night's Sleep with Anxiety' tip sheet. Worrying about not sleeping doesn’t help – it just makes it more likely that you won’t sleep. Sleep problems are fairly common but the good news is that there are things you can do to improve your sleep. Check out this resource for strategies and keys to success.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
'A Good Night's Sleep' booklet. This booklet provides reflection questions to help guide your current understanding of your sleep habits and offers ideas on how to sleep better.
Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH)
Rest and Sleep resource. This infosheet is aimed specifically at students. As a student, meeting deadlines, adjusting to new time zones, and feelings of stress, may lead you to struggle with sleep and rest. This infosheet provides valuable information on different kinds of sleep and rest, their benefits, and some tips for better sleep hygiene.
Sleep Foundation
An American organization of medical professionals providing education and resources on sleep. Check out their page on Napping: Benefits and Tips
Sleepwell
A non-profit website from Dalhousie University that provides education and resources for insomnia with a focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.
Youtube
Pause. Breathe. Press Play.
Use these guided videos to start counting sheep and get a good night's sleep. All you have to do is sit back and press play:
Headspace: Relaxing Wind Down Body Scan: Switching Off for Deep Sleep (1:24)
Headspace: Racing Thoughts While Trying to Sleep? Try This. (10:15)
Headspace Sleep Meditation: Quiet Mental Chatter Nighttime SOS (10:17)
When to Reach Out for Support
If you’ve tried the strategies above but are still struggling with sleep, and it’s starting to affect your daily life, energy, mood, or focus, it’s a good idea to connect with a health care provider. You don’t have to figure it out alone, and support is available. Did you know Student Health Services offers Lifestyle-Based appointments?
Lifestyle medicine is a preventative approach to medicine that focuses on the following six pillars to improve overall health and prevent chronic disease:
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Restorative Sleep
- Stress Management
- Avoidance of Risky Substances
- Positive Social Connections
Visit: https://www.trentu.ca/wellness/health/lifestylemedicine to learn more!