How Sleep Affects Mental Health

🛌 Optimal Sleep Duration
Getting 7–9 hours of sleep per night is linked to better mental health compared to sleeping less than 7 hours or more than 9 hours.

😴 Poor Sleep and Mental Illness
Poor sleep is associated with depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and even hallucinations or delusions.

💊 Impact on Recovery
People with depression and insomnia often respond less well to treatment and have a higher risk of relapse.

🌙 Better Sleep Helps
Improving sleep quality can lead to better mental health outcomes.

Why Does Sleep Matter for the Brain?

🔥 Inflammation
Sleep problems increase inflammatory chemicals in the body, which can affect mood.

🧠 Brain Structure
Poor sleep is linked to reduced size of the hippocampus, important for memory and emotional regulation.

⚡ Oxidative Stress
During wakefulness, harmful molecules build up in the brain. Sleep helps clear them away.

💥 Stress Response
Sleep disruption affects stress systems in the body, making it harder to cope with stress.

✅ Want to learn more? Click on the Sleep tab for tips and advice.