In a world where we’re always switched on—managing households, careers, children’s school schedules, and trying to keep up with everything else—we often underestimate the importance of rest. But let me tell you, as a mum of three and someone who runs a business from home, I’ve learned the hard way that getting enough quality sleep and taking proper rest days isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for both our physical and mental health.
Why Mental Health Needs Rest Too
When we think about mental health, we often focus on emotions, therapy, or stress management techniques. But what many don’t realise is that quality sleep and proper rest are foundational for better mental health. If we don’t get enough rest, our daily routine starts to unravel. We become more irritable, less patient, and emotionally overwhelmed.
The impact of sleep on our mental wellbeing is enormous. Sleep deprivation doesn’t just make us tired—it directly impacts mental health, contributing to conditions like anxiety and depression. According to the Mental Health Foundation, poor-quality sleep is both a cause and a symptom of mental health problems.
Sleep Deprivation: What It Does to Our Bodies and Minds
As someone who has experienced insomnia during the early parenting years, I know just how quickly lack of sleep can spiral into wider health problems. When we’re sleep deprived, our performance can suffer, our memory falters, and even our immune systems weaken. It becomes harder to be the parent, partner, or professional we want to be.
Chronic sleep problems can also increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes, as outlined by the NHS. Sleep isn’t just a break from our busy lives—it’s when our bodies help repair tissues and restore energy. Sleep helps regulate hormones, balance mood, and even support brain function.
Good Sleep Is More Than Just Hours in Bed
It’s not just about the amount of sleep you get—it’s the quality of your sleep that truly matters. Getting enough hours won’t help much if the sleep is disrupted or poor sleep patterns dominate your nights. That’s where improving sleep habits and creating a calm bedtime routine come in. For me, switching off screens, using calming scents like lavender, and listening to music before bed has really helped me wind down.
Adults should aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Older adults might need a bit less sleep but still require good quality sleep to function well. If you or your children don’t get enough, it can disrupt everything from mood to metabolism.
Why You Need a Rest Day (or Several)
As a mum juggling so many roles, I used to feel guilty about taking a rest day—until I noticed how much more productive and happy I was afterwards. Rest isn’t laziness. It’s an essential recovery period that allows your body and mind to reset. These periods of rest can include naps, walks in nature, mindfulness, or simply doing nothing for a while.
Whether it’s a planned active recovery day after exercise or a spontaneous Sunday where I stay in PJS and read with the kids, rest days help me stay grounded. Taking many rest days when needed can prevent burnout and promote optimal health in the long term.
Sleep Problems and the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routines for so many of us. Even now, post-pandemic life has left a lingering sense of unease that often interferes with sleep. Stress, screen time, and lack of structure during lockdowns worsened sleep disorders, particularly among people with sleep anxiety and children.
If sleep problems persist, seeking support from a sleep specialist or exploring cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia might help. According to Sleep Foundation, CBT-I is one of the most effective long-term treatments for insomnia, helping people sleep better without medication.
Tips for Getting the Sleep You Need
If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking: “This all sounds great, but how do I actually get enough sleep with everything going on?” Here are a few small changes that helped me:
- Stick to a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
- Create a calming evening ritual—dim lights, soothing tea, and listening to music.
- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid caffeine and screens at least an hour before bed.
- Don’t be afraid to take time to rest during the day if you need it.
Your body needs time to repair. Your brain needs downtime to recharge. You’ll wake up feeling more energised, clear-headed, and emotionally balanced. And let’s be honest, we could all use a bit more of that.
Final Thoughts: Give Your Mind and Body the Time They Need
The pace of modern life pushes us to do more, be more, and rest less. But the truth is, without proper sleep and rest, everything suffers—our mood, our health, our families, and even our work. Don’t wait for burnout. Be proactive about prioritising your mental and physical health by making rest days, good sleep, and quality sleep a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.
Trust me, once you start giving your body enough time to recover and your mind space to breathe, you’ll feel the difference—and so will everyone around you.
Authoritative Sources:
CDC – How Much Sleep Do I Need?
Mental Health Foundation – Sleep and Mental Health
NHS – Why Lack of Sleep Is Bad for Your Health
Sleep Foundation – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia