Mental Health Awareness Week 2020: Sleeping for improved mental health

Originally published in BSA Society Matters magazine.
By the Mental Health Foundation, founder of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Originally published in BSA Society Matters magazine.SMSPRING2020.jpg
By the Mental Health Foundation.

We spend about a third of our lives asleep. Sleep is as important to our bodies as eating, drinking and breathing, and is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health.

Millions of people struggle with sleep. Around four in 10 are not getting enough, while one in five sleep badly most nights (Royal Society for Public Health).

Mental Health Foundation research suggests that sleeping well is one of the best things people can do to look after their emotional wellbeing: it’s the unsung hero of mental health.

Most people will know from experience that when we’re struggling emotionally, sleep is one of the first things that suffers. Stress, anxiety or feeling down can make it harder to fall, and stay, asleep.

Around 60% of people say their sleep suffers when they’re stressed, (YouGov 2018).

The sleep-mental health picture is complex. But the bottom line is this: sleeping well is essential to everyone’s good mental (and physical) health.

That’s why the Mental Health Foundation decided to focus on sleep during this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from 18th-24th May. 

During the Week, we will reveal new research about what really affects sleep and what we can all do to sleep better. 

MHF.pngThe Foundation wants to start a national conversation about sleep. We also want to highlight how the circumstances in which millions of us find ourselves are preventing us from getting a restful night – and therefore from thriving.

We want to investigate the changes we could make as individuals, communities and as a society, to enable everyone get the rest and renewal we all need. And we hope others will join the conversation.

We use the acronym HEAL to help you consider how you could improve your sleep:

Health

Mental health problems like depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand with sleep problems. It’s important to get any health concerns addressed, both for helping physical symptoms and for addressing any worries that might keep you awake.

Environment

Where you sleep is important. The bedroom and bed should be places you associate with sleep. In particular watching TV, playing with phones or tablets or eating in bed can all affect the quality of our sleep. Temperature, noise levels and light all play a part in determining our sleep. If you experience poor sleep, keep a sleep diary to identify patterns which can help recognise a problem.

Attitude

It’s easiest to get to sleep when we are able to relax and let go of concerns. We’ve all had nights where we lie awake and worry. In the time before we go to bed, we should try and wind down, be less stimulated and relax. These days this can be harder than ever but relaxation techniques, a warm bath or mindfulness practice can all help. If you find you can’t sleep, it is always best to get up, make a warm drink and try again when you feel sleepier. It can be tempting to look at the TV or your phone screen but this may stimulate you and make it harder to nod off.

Lifestyle

Stimulants like caffeine can make it harder to sleep, and a heavy or sugary meal close to bedtime can make sleep uncomfortable. Alcohol might seem to help you get to sleep but it reduces the quality of sleep later. Exercising during the day is a good way to aid sleep but it releases adrenaline, so exercising during the evening may be less helpful.

 

Next steps:

 Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 18-24 May. Find out how to sleep better with this guide.

 

You may also be interested in...

BSA Card
  • BSA.PressRelease Press Release
  • Audit & Taxation

New audit policy proposals from trade bodies aim to boost growth, investment, and competition across the UK economy

Leading trade bodies call for proportionate reforms to audit and reporting rules

  • BSA.IndustryPublication Research & Reports
  • Audit & Taxation

Audit for Growth: Proportionality in Audit and Reporting

A new policy paper outlining proposals to modernise the UK’s audit regime.

BSA Card
  • BSA.PressRelease Press Release
  • Mortgages & Housing

Building Societies Association finds that more than two million first-time buyers are missing from the housing market

A new report from the BSA has found that a significant number of potential first-time buyers have failed to get on the property ladder since the finan...

  • BSA.IndustryPublication Research & Reports
  • Mortgages & Housing

First-Time Buyers: The Missing Millions

Update report into the challenges facing first-time buyers

  • BSA.IndustryPublication Research & Reports
  • Thought leadership

Harnessing the mutual sector's potential for growth

Removing the barriers to secure economic, societal and environmental benefits

BSA Card
  • BSA.Event Event
  • Mortgages & Housing

AI-Powered Digital Transformation for Building Societies Webinar

AI isn’t just an upgrade for building societies—it’s the foundation for staying competitive. In this exclusive webinar, we’ll explore how Gen AI is re...

BSA Card
  • BSA.PressRelease Press Release
  • Mortgages & Housing

Joint Industry Statement on Cladding

The joint industry statement on cladding has been updated to address the use of EWS1 forms over five years old and scenarios where forms may be signed...

BSA Card
  • BSA.PressRelease Press Release
  • Mortgages & Housing

Consumer confidence in the housing market declines

Just 17% of people agree now is a good time to buy a property, a decline from 20% just three months ago.