At some point in our lives, most of us have been told we “woke up on the wrong side of the bed” after starting our day in a bad mood. Sleep plays a role in not only our day-to-day mood but our mental health overall.

Sleep issues have been linked to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. When we don’t get enough sleep or quality sleep, our brain doesn’t have a chance to recharge and reset, which over long periods of time can lead to mental health issues.

On the flip side, mental health issues can also contribute to sleep issues, so finding a balance can be challenging if both are impacting each other. Some ways you can improve your sleep habits include having a set bedtime, winding down before bed, getting regular exercise, avoiding caffeine too late in the day, and putting away electronics before bed.

Did you know that 6 hours after you consume caffeine that half of it is still in your body? It’s tempting to have a cup of coffee when you hit an afternoon slump, but it’s important to remember that the caffeine you consume in the afternoon could negatively impact your sleep later.

Trivia question: What is a safe amount of caffeine for most adults to drink per day?

Submit your answer below for a chance to win a Riverside Sleep Center sleep mask and other goodies!