Neurosurgeon shares top 3 important things you can do to recover from a sleepless night: Try to go to bed at this time

Following Dr Brian Hoeflinger's tips can help you better manage the emotional impact of sleep deprivation and feel more balanced throughout the day.

In an August 26 Instagram video, Dr Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon, discussed the impact of sleep deprivation on emotional regulation, specifically highlighting how lack of sleep can lead to heightened irritability and emotional distress. He explained that his phenomenon is attributed to the amygdala, the brain's emotional centre, becoming overactive when sleep-deprived.

To mitigate these effects, Dr Hoeflinger suggested three key strategies for the following day: maintaining hydration to combat fatigue, seeking natural light to regulate the sleep-wake cycle, and adhering to one's regular bedtime rather than napping or going to bed early. He wrote in his caption, “Three important things that you can do to help recover from a sleepless night.”

Sleep plays a crucial role in regulating your emotions

Dr Hoeflinger explained in this video he posted, “Did you know that one night of poor sleep or missed sleep can lead you to be irritable and emotionally distressed the next day? Well, research says it's true. And here's why. There's a part of our brain called the amygdala. That is the emotional headquarters of our brain. And this structure, as you would guess, is particularly sensitive to lack of sleep. In essence, sleep deprivation allows the amygdala to overreact to things that it normally wouldn't react to.”

How to recover from sleepless nights?

He added, “So, here are three things that you can do the following day to help. Firstly, stay hydrated, which helps fight the fatigue. Number two, get natural light or better yet, sunlight, which helps regulate your sleep wake cycle. And lastly, try to go to bed at your usual time instead of taking a nap or trying to go to bed early. So, I try to follow those three simple steps the next day. And I can't say that I feel particularly irritable or emotional, but obviously that's my perspective. I wonder if I asked the people around me what they would have to say.”

Do you struggle to fall or stay asleep? Click here to learn about a doctor's 'simple and evidence-based tips to help improve sleep quality' – find out which of these you have tried, and which ones you can give a go.

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This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.