Sleep’s vital health role

A LACK of sleep puts us at greater risk of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.

It was previously thought people struggling with these issues could not sleep as a result but a new study shows the reverse is likely to be true.

Rates of depression and anxiety plunged by 20 per cent among 3755 insomniacs given cognitive behavioural therapy to help them sleep.

Their level of happiness increased by 10 per cent.

Half experienced a reduction in insomnia, and the sessions also lessened paranoia.