Recent research has uncovered a significant connection between sleep problems, our body’s internal clock (also known as our circadian rhythm), and the development or worsening of mental health issues.
A detailed review of this research, shared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights how understanding and addressing sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances could pave the way for new, effective ways to improve mental health.
Dr. Sarah L. Chellappa from the University of Southampton, the lead researcher of the study, emphasizes that trouble with sleep and our internal body clock is common in all types of mental health disorders.
While many people are aware that insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep) is linked to psychiatric conditions, the role of our circadian rhythms—our natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours—is less understood but equally important.
This research is particularly focused on young people, including adolescents and young adults, who are at a crucial age for the onset of mental health disorders. This period is also when significant sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions are likely to happen.
The study found that insomnia is much more prevalent in individuals with mental health conditions than in the general population.
This is true not only during periods of illness but also in times of remission. For example, more than half of those experiencing early psychosis have trouble sleeping.
Moreover, the research reviewed how certain mood disorders are associated with both insomnia and hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness during the day), creating a challenging cycle of poor sleep at night and tiredness during the day.
It also noted that a significant percentage of people with bipolar disorder experience delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, where they fall asleep and wake up much later than is typical.
The team delved into why these sleep-circadian disturbances might happen, pointing out that during adolescence, natural changes in sleep patterns, combined with lifestyle choices like staying up late, can disrupt the alignment between our internal body clock and our actual sleep times.
This misalignment can increase the risk of both sleep issues and negative effects on mental health.
Interestingly, the research also considered factors such as genetics, exposure to light, and the importance of sleep for brain plasticity (the brain’s ability to form new neural connections) and processing emotional memories.
They found that certain genetic traits, less time spent outdoors, and reduced exposure to natural light could all contribute to mood disorders.
On a hopeful note, the review suggests that focusing on sleep and circadian rhythms could lead to innovative treatments and preventive measures for mental health issues.
For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has already shown promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Light therapy in the morning has been effective in treating depression, and adjusting the timing of medications, meals, and exercise can also help align circadian rhythms.
Moreover, the study mentions new multi-component interventions that address various aspects of sleep and circadian dysfunction, offering a comprehensive approach to improving mental health across different disorders.
In conclusion, this research underscores an exciting potential for advances in sleep and circadian science to transform our understanding and treatment of mental health conditions, promising better outcomes for those affected.
If you care about mental health, please read studies about 6 foods you can eat to improve mental health, and B vitamins could help prevent depression and anxiety.
For more information about mental health, please see recent studies about how dairy foods may influence depression risk, and results showing Omega-3 fats may help reduce depression.
The research findings can be found in PNAS.
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