SLEEP CAN HELP TREAT MENTAL HEALTH

We’ve known for a long time that disturbed sleep can be a feature of various psychological disorders. For example, insomnia (difficulties nodding off or staying asleep) and hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness) are listed among the criteria for diagnosing depression.

What’s more novel is that addressing sleep problems might help prevent or resolve other psychological difficulties. Studies looking at children who are experiencing sleep-disordered breathing, for example, have found that removing adenoids and tonsils to improve nighttime breathing is linked with fewer symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, a study led by researchers from the University of Oxford found that when insomniac students were given cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) along with standard treatment, they experienced reduced insomnia, paranoia, hallucinations, anxiety and depression, compared to those who did not receive CBT.