World Sleep Day March 13th
World Sleep Day is an opportunity to promote sleep health Sleep. The theme for this World Sleep Day this year is Sleep Well, Live Better.
Sleep is essential for both our physical and mental well-being, but for many of us it can feel out of reach. Tossing and turning at night, waking too early, or feeling drained in the morning are common experiences. While short periods of poor sleep are often linked to stress or changes in routine, ongoing difficulties can become overwhelming. Lack of sleep, or poor-quality sleep can make the activities of the following day more challenging as it could reduce reaction time, alertness, ability to solve problems or remember things.
Understanding Insomnia
Occasional sleep problems are normal, especially during stressful times. But if poor sleep is frequent and impacts your daily life, you may be experiencing insomnia. Symptoms can include:
· Struggling to fall asleep
· Waking up during the night
· Waking earlier than you’d like
· Feeling tired, irritable, or unable to focus in the day
Insomnia can be triggered by stress, anxiety, health conditions, or even certain medications. It is more common in women and often increases with age. If sleep difficulties continue for more than a month, it may help to seek professional support.
Sleep and Mental Health
Poor sleep doesn’t just leave you tired—it can also affect your mood, resilience, and overall well-being. Over time, sleep problems can contribute to anxiety and depression, while mental health conditions can, in turn, make it harder to sleep. This cycle can be difficult, but support is available.
Improving sleep is not about perfection but about finding small, sustainable changes that work for you. Be patient with yourself, and remember that recovery from sleep problems often takes time.
For more ideas and strategies please watch the video lined below.
For more information about understanding how your sleep can impact on mental health conditions please go to the Mind Sleep Resource list below.
The NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing page has a series of of audio Podcasts and other resources including one on overcoming sleep problems.
NHS website – how to get to sleep
Mind website – how to cope with sleep problems and tips to improve your sleep
You can also access our Advice service in Brighton and Hove, in Brighton and Hove by calling us on 01273 66 69 50 or email info@mindcharity.co.uk
