Ndsd Sleep

We all know the old saying, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” But for the nearly 57 million affected by a mental illness, getting a good night’s rest is no easy task. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, sleep disturbances figure prominently in many psychiatric disorders. In fact, of the estimated 30 million Americans who have chronic insomnia, 40 percent also have a psychiatric disorder, most often depression or anxiety.

NDSD Mental Health Screening™ (also known as National Depression Screening Day) provides organizations with resources to reach out to community members with undiagnosed mental disorders and help them take the first step toward treatment and better mental health. By including new educational materials about the link between sleep and mental illness into this year’s program kits, we hope to help even more individuals who may be suffering in silence.

“Sleep problems are a common symptom of depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. However, there is also evidence that sleep disorders can be a contributing cause of mood and anxiety disorders. For those who are experiencing issues with sleep, it is important to talk to a health care provider about the possible causes,” says Douglas G. Jacobs, MD, President and CEO of Screening for Mental Health (SMH), the organization that sponsors NDSD.

NDSD, now in its sixteenth year, provides a non-threatening way for the public to be screened for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Organizations can register for a variety of program options including the in-person screening event and online screening. The online program is an affordable, flexible, year-round tool that allows your organization to screen patients and community members 24/7. The screening module is password-protected and includes a customizable welcome message and referral information. Also available is a completely downloadable kit for a reduced fee.

New for the 2006 program are additional suicide prevention materials, a new educational video and updated clinician education resources. Other kit materials include a clinician’s guide; a range of educational materials; posters; and an event planning guide with tips on planning and promoting an NDSD event. The program offers materials designed for diverse audiences, including Spanish speakers and older adults.

To register to conduct NDSD in-person or online programs, visit www.MentalHealthScreening.org or call (781) 239-0071.

Recommendations to help patients get a good night’s sleep:

• Go to bed and wake up the same time each day. Having a sleep routine can help train your body to know when it is time for sleep.
• Don’t lie in bed awake for more than 20 minutes. Get up and go read, watch TV or listen to music, until you feel sleepy. The anxiety of being unable to fall asleep can actually contribute to insomnia.
• Exercise early in the day. Working out to close to bedtime causes wakefulness.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants and can make falling asleep difficult. Alcohol affects REM and deep sleep.
• Create a sleep sanctuary. Your bedroom should be quiet, dark and cool.
• Avoid working, eating or watching TV in bed.
• Invest in a good bed/mattress. You spend about a third of your life in bed so make sure yours is comfortable.
• Try and relax before bed. Take a warm bath or meditate. If you are anxious or worried about something, talk about it with a friend or partner earlier in the day.
• If you continue to have trouble sleeping, talk to a health professional to rule out a physical or mental illness.

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